2022 Catherine Breton Vouvray Sec "La Dilettante", Vourvray, AOC, Cote du Rhone, France

Complex and bone-dry, this old-vine Chenin evokes grapefruit, green apple, and herbs. Lime citrus and lychee fruit lend a thirst-quenching quality to this 100% Chenin Blanc. 

With three decades’ worth of Loire harvests under her belt, plus her own “dabbling” with Chenin Blanc since 2002, Catherine Breton is undeniably an authority on biodynamic farming and natural winemaking. Sixteen years after vinifying her first Vouvray, it appears Catherine is “La Dilettante” no more.

As the wine world talks about Catherine and Pierre Breton, one will hear them referenced as "real life bon vivants vignerons." I love this description so much as it perfectly captures the soul of this married couple. From the beginning, they have truly wanted to have fun in life and to make unadulterated natural wines long before the hipness of the natural wine scene took hold. Recently, they started the three-year process of seeking biodynamic certification. In fact, they have become international icons for the natural wine movement in an area where the climate and soil can make organic practices difficult. They are based in Bourgueil in the Loire Valley and have an impressive spread of vineyards ranging in soils and vine age. One might say the innovative couple is well ahead of the game and doing it with charm and grace. 

Even though the power couple shares the vineyard and cellar duties, the Vouvray project is one that Catherine calls her own. The vines for this Chenin are 40 years old and undergo a short time in stainless steel before being released in the spring. Though many Vouvrays age well, this one will continue to age but also is meant to enjoy immediately.