Some wine pros are fond of describing Riesling as the world’s most versatile wine grape. I would argue that title could go to Chenin Blanc, particularly when cultivated in its home turf, France's Loire Valley. Depending on terroir and winemaking style, Chenin can craft mineral-rich dry wines, off-dry versions that hum with energy, unctuous sweet wines and delicious sparklers supported by lively acidity. Across this stylistic range, these whites have an impressive ability to age for decades.
Domaine Huet has been an undisputed luminary of the Chenin-focused Vouvray appellation for almost a century. The magic of its wines, from dry to sweet, is their expert balance of richness and mineral energy. Using grapes from the prized Le Haut-Lieu estate vineyard, Huet's 2023 Vouvray Sec (meaning "dry") is a wealth of power and complexity, and it's just starting to unwind.
This lineup includes Henri Bourgeois' Sancerre La Côte des Monts Damnés 2022, one of the top scorers, which is dense and ersious with orchard fruit, mineral and herb notes. Read on to get our score and full tasting note for this Loire Valley white wine and eight others.
Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent ratings—including scores and full tasting notes—to WineSpectator.com members.
Member-Only Content
Premium SubscriptionJoin today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.
Already a member? Sign In
Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!
Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings
Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines
Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations
Best value wines and winery intel
Subscribe today
