Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnesssweet
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2015: best 2030 to 2075.
vintage15 yrs60 yrs62 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2018201596/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedLow tanninHigh aciditySweetLong finish

Aroma: botrytis, candied citrus, apricot, honey

Palate: preserved citrus, honey, dried apricot, saffron

Botrytis-affected late-harvest Chenin Blanc from Foreau's tuffeau-limestone parcels in Vouvray. Bottled only a few times per decade, with documented multi-decade cellaring potential.

What it pairs with

  • Foie gras au torchon
    Classic Loire pairing: botrytis honey and apricot meet the duck-liver richness; chalk acidity refreshes.
  • Roquefort
    Blue cheese salt meets botrytis sweetness; saffron and honey echo the cheese's umami.
  • Apricot tart
    Apricot-on-apricot between dessert and wine; high acid keeps the pairing from cloying.
  • Saffron mussels
    Saffron aromatic locks onto sweet wine; honey-citrus profile handles seafood broth.

History

Foreau bottles a Vouvray Moelleux Reserve only a few times per decade, reserved for vintages of exceptional botrytis.

  1. 1947: First Moelleux Réserve bottling in the post-war era

Facts

Producer
Domaine du Clos Naudin (Philippe Foreau) · visiting guide
Grapes
Chenin Blanc (100%)
Classification
Vouvray AOC
Oak
Vinified and aged in older oak demi-muids, no new oak, around 18 months on lees
ABV
12.0%
Price
EUR 90 to 200 at retail
Drinking window
15-60 from vintage
First vintage
1947
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Vouvray Moelleux Réserve

What does Foreau Moelleux Réserve taste like?

Botrytis, candied citrus, apricot and honey on the nose; preserved citrus, honey, dried apricot and saffron on the palate. Full-bodied with high acidity and a long, layered finish.

When should I drink Foreau Moelleux Réserve?

Drink between 15 and 60 years from vintage. The cuvée is documented to cellar for decades; mature bottles develop saffron, dried apricot and waxy honey complexity over half a century.

What food pairs with Foreau Moelleux Réserve?

Foie gras au torchon is the classic Loire pairing. Roquefort, apricot tart and saffron mussels are equally strong matches; the wine's high acid keeps these pairings from cloying.

Is Foreau Moelleux Réserve vegan?

The producer does not declare vegan status. Check the current vintage's back label for fining details.

Tags

cellar worthy chenin blanc dessert noble rot full body high acid iconic library release mood contemplative mood elegant occasion celebration occasion cellar occasion special old world pairs with aged cheese pairs with blue cheese pairs with foie gras pairs with fruit desserts price fine sweet vegan

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