Domaine Gilles Gaudron, Vouvray Sec, Les Vaux Louis, Vernou-sur-Brenne, Touraine, Loire, France, 2022

Producer Profile

Fourth generation Gilles took over the family domaine in 1993.

Composed of 50 separate, small parcels of vineyards, the estate is planted on limestone-clay soils spread over 27 hectares. Still aided by his father Sylvain, Gilles Gaudron produces top quality, traditional Vouvrays with pure fruit characters and striking terroir expression.

Viticulture

Gilles, the third generation of the family, took over the domaine in 1993. The estate consists of 50 small vineyard parcels spread across 24 hectares, planted on limestone-clay soils known as tuffeau. Vouvray ‘Les Vaux Louis’ Sec is crafted from Chenin Blanc vines averaging 30 years in age. The farm environmental certification is a voluntary approach which aims to identify and promote particularly environmentally friendly practices that applied by farmers.

Winemaking

Harvesting is done using a combination of mechanical and manual methods. The grapes are destemmed, gently pressed using a pneumatic press, and the must is settled at a low temperature for 24 hours. Fermentation takes place at the natural cellar temperature of 12°C and lasts about two weeks. The wine is then aged in vats with two rackings, and stirred weekly during the first month. After filtration, bottling occurs in September. To achieve balance, Gilles believes Vouvray still wines should retain a small amount of residual sugar, typically between 6 and 8 g/l.

Tasting Note

Vouvray Sec pours a pale yellow with green highlights and unfolds aromas of ripe pear, quince and pineapple, framed by chalky minerality. On the palate it is dry yet generously textured, with vibrant acidity and a stony, saline finish that speaks clearly of its terroir

Food Matching

Versatile at the table—ideal with shellfish, grilled fish, smoked salmon, pork, poultry terrines or mushroom risotto

Awards