Barton & Guestier Les Petites Parcelles Vouvray 2021
Pale straw color; white flowers, grapefruit, lemon, pear, peach, pineapple, melon, honey, minerals on the nose and palate.
Dry; no tannins, good but not cutting acidity. Excellent fruit; ripeness gives illusion of of sweetness, and there may be a pinch of residual sugar. Very smooth, silky, delicious. Refreshing finish. Light body. Serve chilled. Fermented in stainless steel, no oak regime, partial malolactic fermentation. 11.5% ABV
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“Les Petites Parcelles” refers to this being a perfect pairing with oysters and their iodized flavors. Grapes come from Vouvray Contrôlée appellation. Vouvray is chenin blanc made in the French Vouvray appellation on the north bank of the Loire River, next to the city of Tours. The appellation was established in 1936. Vouvray wines are made exclusively with chenin blanc, which also is called pineau de la Loire in the appellation. Vines are planted in gravel and clay topsoil over local white limestone “tuffeau,” which, when needed, supplies water to deep roots.
Vouvray/chenin blanc can be, and is, made in the spectrum of style—from very dry to very sweet still wines and into sparkling wine. Sweet wines often are made with grapes touched by noble rot. Sparklings are made using the traditional method of a second fermentation in the bottle. This Barton & Guestier effort falls into the dry category while flirting with off-dry.
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Barton & Guestier is a major maker in Bordeaux. Irishman Thomas Barton started the company in 1725. Today, Barton & Guestier is the oldest winehouse still in activity in the region. Barton’s grandson teamed with Frenchman Daniel Guestier in 1802. International trade was important from the beginning, with wine shipped to England, Holland, and the United States. Today Barton & Guestier—often shortened to B&G—is sold in more than 130 countries (16 million bottles in 2019).
Of the U.S., the website notes: “By the end of the 18th century, Daniel [Guestier] created a trade-office in Baltimore where his brother Pierre-Auguste (Peter) was in charge of business. From 1785 to 89, Thomas Jefferson is US Ambassador in France. During this period, he spent 5 days in Bordeaux where he also met the Barton and Guestier families. In a letter from August 1787, Jefferson listed Mr Barton as one of his preferred supplier. In 1805, Jefferson wrote a letter in which he asked for B&G wines. During his first term as President he spent $ 7,500 on wine, which is $186,000 in today's money! In 1981, [former] US President Richard Nixon visited Château Magnol [the B&G headquarters purchased in 1969].”
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Barton & Guestier Les Petites Parcelles Vouvray 2021 is delicious and delightful iteration of chenin blanc. Smooth and marvelously drinkable. Touch of sweetness will pleasure many palates, while balancing acidity keeps things in check. Very tasty, engaging fruit from peach-pear to lemon, grapefruit, and pineapple. Works as aperitif or sipped solo, sipped with neutral wine crackers or a light charcuterie board that includes fruits. Pair with seafood; grilled fish; shellfish—oysters; baked, roast chicken; salads and vegetarian fare. Cheese—brie, gruyere, mild cheddar, cream cheese, camembert. $15-18
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Read the full article: HERE.
Learn more about B&G Vouvray: HERE.
