We are thrilled to have the wines from Domaine Huet back in stock. We have a powerful thirst for all things Chenin, but this historic estate might be our absolute favorite.
Widely recognized as one of the most important properties in Vouvray, Domaine Huet was founded in 1928 by Victor Huet, a Parisian bistro owner who relocated to the scenic Loire Valley after returning home from WWI. He and his wife, Constance, happened upon an idyllic parcel named Le Haut Lieu, perched above the quaint village of Vouvray, and decided the property with its 3 hectares planted to Chenin Blanc was to be their new home. Victor’s son Gaston, then a teenager, worked with his father in the cellar from the beginning, eventually took over, and continued to grow the domaine and its legacy for the next 55 years (despite being held in a POW camp for five years during WWII). He even became the mayor of Vouvray in 1947, a title which he held for the following 46 years. During his time at the helm, he acquired the “Le Clos de Bourg” and “Le Mont” vineyards, arguably some of the best terroirs in the region.
In 1971, Gaston’s son in law, Noel Pinguet joined him in the cellar and continued to make the wines until retiring in 2012. Pinguet became an early adopter of biodynamics in the vineyard, and thus increased the consistency and elevated the quality yet another level. The wines of Domaine Huet are truly special; honing in on the specific character of the vintage in the most pristine and focused way. Whether sec (dry), demi-sec (off-dry), or molleux (sweet) the wines are impeccably balanced and sure of themselves—exactly what they are supposed to be.
We have extremely limited quantities of each of these wines. If they are of interest, please email alyssa@soifwine.com to secure an order.
2009 Domaine Huet Petillant Reserve Brut - $48
A delicious sparkler made from several of the Huet estate parcels.
2015 Domaine Huet “Le Haut Lieu” Sec – This is the first vineyard purchased by Victor Huet in 1928. The vines grow on a high plateau that marks one of the highest points in the appellation and heavy clay soils over limestone produce the showiest wines of the three sites. The “Sec” style feels perfectly dry without being austere or incomplete.
2015 Domaine Huet “Le Haut Lieu” Demi-Sec – from the vineyard mentioned above, but in an off-dry style. The intense acidity is mitigated by a heathy dose of sweetness, yet it never feel heavy or syrupy on the palate. It’s mouthwatering and honeyed and begs for some soft chèvre and a warm baguette.
2015 Domaine Huet “Le Haut Lieu” Molleux – Molleux literally means “full of marrow” and refers to the textural quality of the wine. This is sweet, but like the wine above has ample acidity to keep it lively. This level of sugar from late-harvested grapes changes the feel of the wine on the palate. It’s both candied and waxy and has and everlasting finishing. Primal is possibly the best word to describe it.