Catherine and Didier Champalou are young growers in Vouvray who, since 1984 have assembled a small 20 hectare domaine, the vines are from 9 to 44 years old and total production is only 120000 bottles, planted solely with Chenin Blanc. Their aim is to bring out the maximum expression of character from the grape while reflecting the different terroirs on which the vines are planted. Thus by applying rigorous standards, they have created one of the most exciting wineries in Vouvray.
Chenin Blanc makes an excellent base wine for sparkling as it has good acidity, especially when grown in the Loire, Northern France. The base wine is fermented to dryness in stainless steel tanks, before blending and the addition of a little extra yeast and enough sugar for this yeast to turn into alcohol and carbon dioxide, which is trapped inside the bottle creating the sparkle. Some older, 'reserve' wines are added at the blending stage to a create a wine of superior complexity and consistent style regardless of the year in which it is bottled.
Pale straw in colour with extremely elegant bubbles and a fine mousse. The palate is fine and elegant with well balanced acidity and a crisp dry finish.