Burrowed in the deep chalky hillsides of the Loire rests a wine of impressive immortality and beguiling flavor. In caves hollowed out of the tuffeau rock for the development of the valley’s grandest Chateaux, chenin blanc slumbers, develops, and evolves into one of the most compelling and unique white wines in the world. We’re speaking of course about the wines of Vouvray, one of France’s very first designated appellations following the founding of the INAO in 1936, and a region whose wine history traces back to the middle ages. This region’s most iconic and classic producer is undoubtedly Domaine Huet.
I like to be careful when I throw around the word ‘classic’. I think such a term can often be overused or misunderstood in the intent of what it is meant to convey. Something that is ‘classic’ is not necessarily something that is good, and likewise the interpretation of ‘classic’ is relative to the ebbs and flows of wine styles and techniques over time. The consummate version of ‘classic’ is when a wine or winemaker is able to intimately evoke the soul of variety and its heritage region in a way that cannot be imitated by the ambitious or the new. For me, this is where the chenin of Domaine Huet stands a world apart.
Founded in 1928 by Victor Huët, a former Parisian bistro owner, this winery has engendered global recognition for the quality of wines in the Vouvray appellation and remains the top Vouvray label of restaurants and collectors around the globe. The wines are simply miraculous. Whether it’s the bone-dry and bracing Sec labeled versions of Le Haut Lieu, Clos Du Bourg, and Le Mont, or the immensely complex and charming off-dry Demi-Sec and Moelleux variations, these wines are cellar essentials for anyone serious about wine or collecting.
Why are they essential?
- They’re immortal. These wines can age for 30+ years without batting an eye. The dry versions and the off-dry alike.
- They’re amazingly affordable. Almost every Huet wine falls between $30-65 retail.
- They’re some of the top chenin blanc that exists. Period. Look at the Most Popular, Best, and Best Value lists of Vouvray on Wine Searcher. Notice anything? Domaine Huet occupies the first 5+ wines in every category.
- They’re DELICIOUS. With the texture of a fine Mersault, the beautiful structure of a cave aged Loire white, and intense Autumnal aromas of apple, quince, and honey, these are a category of their own and a perfect marriage with food.
Someday when I retire, I’m going to putter around in my cellar and grin when I see all the Domain Huet labels resting delicately in the cool darkness; the nectar inside growing ever more delicious by the year. I’m making my investment today before the trend curve makes these whites unobtainable. Will you be as wise?
Domaine Huet Wines Available Now (Aged gems highlighted)We’re uniquely positioned to offer a broad selection of Huet wines that have aged gracefully at temperature control. I’ll emphasize that these are still only at the beginning of their total lifespan, and can mature for decades to come.
P.S…..Perhaps the most consistently high scored wines I’ve ever seen.
| DOMAINE HUET WINE |
VWS PRICE |
AVAILABLE |
REVIEWS |
LINK |
| HUET CUVEE CONSTANCE 2015 500ML |
$159.00 |
7 |
99 WS |
Link |
| HUET DEMI-SEC BOURG 2016 |
$39.00 |
36+ |
95 WS |
Link |
| HUET DEMI-SEC BOURG 2020 |
$44.00 |
36+ |
97 VINOUS |
Link |
| HUET DEMI-SEC HAUT LIEU 2016 |
$39.00 |
32 |
96 WS |
Link |
| HUET DEMI-SEC HAUT LIEU 2017 |
$36.00 |
4 |
95 JD |
Link |
| HUET DEMI-SEC HAUT LIEU 2020 |
$39.00 |
25 |
96 WS |
Link |
| HUET DEMI-SEC LE MONT 2016 |
$41.90 |
9 |
95 WS |
Link |
| HUET DEMI-SEC LE MONT 2020 |
$44.00 |
14 |
96-96 WA |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX BOURG 1ER TRIE 16 |
$59.00 |
36+ |
96 WS |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX BOURG 2016 |
$59.00 |
26 |
97 WS |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX CLOS BOURG TRIE 20 |
$69.00 |
9 |
97 VINOUS |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX HAUT LIEU 2016 |
$39.00 |
36+ |
95 WS |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX HAUT LIEU 2020 |
$44.00 |
28 |
96 VINOUS |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX HAUT LIEU TRIE 20 |
$59.00 |
12 |
96 VINOUS |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX LE MONT 2015 |
$49.00 |
1 |
96 WA |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX LE MONT 2016 |
$49.00 |
36+ |
96 WS |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX LE MONT 2017 |
$49.00 |
9 |
96 WS |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX LE MONT 2018 |
$36.00 |
1 |
95 WA |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX LE MONT 2020 |
$46.00 |
22 |
96 WA |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX LE MONT TRIE 2016 |
$69.00 |
36+ |
97 WA |
Link |
| HUET MOELLEUX LE MONT TRIE 2020 |
$66.00 |
32 |
97-98 WA |
Link |
| HUET SEC LE MONT 2021 |
$41.90 |
9 |
96 VINOUS |
Link |
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