Domaine François et Julien Pinon Vouvray Sec 2022
We have 31 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land:
Vouvray sits on the limestone-rich tuffeau soils of the Loire Valley, a terroir that shapes some of the world’s most compelling Chenin Blanc. The Pinon estate, located in Vallée de Cousse, benefits from a mix of clay, flint, and limestone, creating wines with minerality, tension, and depth. The 2022 vintage was warm yet balanced, producing a dry wine with both ripe fruit concentration and crisp acidity.
The Wine:
100% Chenin Blanc, hand-harvested from organically farmed vines and fermented with native yeasts in a mix of steel and neutral oak. A slow, cool fermentation preserves aromatics, while extended lees aging adds texture. The result is a wine of precision and energy, with notes of ripe pear, quince, citrus oil, and wet stone, lifted by vibrant acidity and a long, saline finish.
The People:
François Pinon, a former psychologist, took over the family estate in 1987, later joined by his son Julien. Their philosophy is simple: organic farming, minimal intervention, and wines that express place over process. One of Vouvray’s most respected domaines, their wines consistently showcase the clarity, balance, and ageability that make Chenin Blanc from this region so special.
Food Pairings:
1. Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter – The wine’s bright acidity and mineral backbone enhance the sweetness of the scallops, while its citrus and stone fruit notes complement the lemon butter sauce.
2. Roast Chicken with Herbs and Garlic – The fresh profile of this Vouvray balances the crispy skin and savory depth of roasted chicken, while its acidity cuts through the richness of pan juices.
3. Butternut Squash Risotto with Fontina – The wine’s vibrant acidity and subtle texture match beautifully with the creamy risotto, while its orchard fruit and mineral tones highlight the natural sweetness of the squash.
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
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The Loire Valley, often referred to as the "Garden of France," is a revered wine region that stretches along the Loire River, producing an array of distinct wines, including the crisp, sea-breeze influenced Muscadet near the Atlantic coast, the versatile and expressive Chenin Blanc in regions like Vouvray and Anjou, the elegantly fragrant Cabernet Franc from Chinon and Bourgueil, and the minerally complex Sauvignon Blanc-based Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé from its eastern vineyards. This is a reflection of the valley's varied terroir and climate, which together foster the creation of wines that are celebrated for their finesse, diversity, and food-friendliness.
Loire Valley
Chenin Blanc, celebrated for its high acidity and versatility, finds its most iconic expressions in the Loire Valley of France and the sun-drenched vineyards of South Africa. In the Loire Valley, it's the backbone of an array of styles, from vibrant, dry whites to lusciously sweet wines, showcasing the grape's remarkable ability to reflect terroir and respond to winemaking techniques. Meanwhile, South Africa has embraced Chenin Blanc, locally known as Steen, producing wines that range from fresh and fruity to complex and age-worthy, further cementing the grape's global appeal and adaptability.
