Today we are tasting the 2007 Noel Bougrier Vouvray from the Loire Valley in France. This wine is probably 100% Chenin Blanc; although, Vouvray wines are occasionally blended with Arbois. In Vouvray, the Chenin Blanc wines are made with different levels of residual sugar. The categories are from driest to sweetest (percent risidual sugar in parens): Sec (0-0.4%), Demi-Sec (0.4-1.2%), Moullex (1.2-4.5%), and Doux (4.5% or more). The Doux is sometimes known as liquoreux. We did not find any labeling on the bottle to declare which category this wine is. We acquired this horribly labeled bottle for under $12.
Color
This wine is very golden in the glass.
Aroma
There is not a lot of aroma from this wine. It shows a little chemical component which reminds us of chlorine. It also shows some white grape juice component. Not a very good nose.
Flavor
Upon first sip of this wine, the syrupy sweetness is overwhelming. Keep this in mind if you are going to pair it with food. It must be in the Doux category because it is close to a dessert wine. Once you get past the sugar, there is apple, peach, clover honey and papaya components. Although the fruit is present it is underwhelming. Surprisingly, for a Chenin Blanc there is very little acid.
Rating
Because of the high residual sugar and the muted fruit, we didn’t enjoy this Vouvray. We rate it 82 points.
Question for you. Should I abandon ratings? Do they help you? There is a lot of discussion of this lately. What are your thoughts on it?
