In the glass
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.
- 1947 — First Moelleux Réserve bottling in the post-war era
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine du Clos Naudin (Philippe Foreau)
- 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)
Scores
- Wine Advocate 96 (2015 vintage, reviewed 2018)
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.