Description
From parcels around Vouvray, Rochecorbon, and Vernou-sur-Brenne, the 2022 Domaine Champalou Vouvray AOC is a Loire Valley white from France made entirely from Chenin Blanc, locally known as Pineau de Loire. Catherine and Didier Champalou founded the domaine in 1983 after viticultural training and backgrounds in Vouvray families, and their daughter Céline joined in 2006 after working in several wine regions. The family farms about 21 to 25 hectares, with the main Vouvray bottling including approximately 13.5 hectares of 35-year-old vines on clay and limestone soils over tuffeau. Exact altitude and exposure are not specified in the reviewed sources, though the appellation sits on the right bank of the Loire. Farming is Terra Vitis certified sustainable, with organic certification beginning from the 2023 harvest. Grapes are hand harvested, pneumatically pressed, fermented slowly with indigenous yeasts, and handled by terroir. The cuvée anchors Champalou’s work around Chenin, parcel observation, and independent estate bottling.