Winemaker Description
100% Chenin Blanc. Pinon makes two traditional-method sparkling wines, from bunches picked earlier than for the still wines and from the more clay and flint-forward parcels. The vines average 45 years old and have been certified-organic since 2007. For the non-dosé--versus the straight brut--the fruit is harvested later and thus riper. The bunches are harvested...Show More >
Winemaker Description
100% Chenin Blanc. Pinon makes two traditional-method sparkling wines, from bunches picked earlier than for the still wines and from the more clay and flint-forward parcels. The vines average 45 years old and have been certified-organic since 2007. For the non-dosé--versus the straight brut--the fruit is harvested later and thus riper. The bunches are harvested manually, rigorously sorted and gently and slowly pressed, with the juice flowing by gravity into underground tanks. Fermentation is spontaneous with indigenous yeasts and lasts 4 to 6 weeks. The wine is racked into old tonneaux and steel tanks for 2-3 months of aging on the fine lees. It is then lightly filtered and bottled for its second fermentation; the wine remains on the lees for 4 years before disgorgement. Zero dosage and zero RS.
Expert Review
View from the Cellar 92 Points | Pinon The 2018 Vouvray Pétillant Brut Non-Dosé from Julien Pinon is an outstanding wine. The grapes for this bottling are picked a touch later than those for the regular Brut Pétillant, as they are going to receive no dosage. The wine is fermented with native yeasts, the vins clairs are raised in old tonneaux for three months and the wine is given fully four years aging sur lattes prior to disgorgement. The 2018 version delivers lovely aromatic refinement in its bouquet of apple. citrus peel, a touch of quince, bread dough, chalky minerality and a lovely topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and complex, with excellent balance and grip, a fine core, lovely soil inflection, elegant mousse and a long, seamless and vibrant finish. This is outstanding sparkling Vouvray. 2023-2050.
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