Profile

Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2025 to 2047.

vintage3 yrs25 yrs27 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2024202293/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: yellow apple, honeysuckle, lemon, chamomile

Palate: pear, honey, quince, creamy lees

Le Haut-Lieu is the original 9-hectare Huet vineyard on deep clay over limestone. Approachable young yet capable of long ageing.

What it pairs with

  • Roast chicken with tarragon Soft Chenin texture meets roast poultry; tarragon's anise note echoes the wine's chamomile lift.More wines for chicken and white meat →
  • Pike-perch (sandre) with beurre blanc Loire's signature freshwater fish in butter sauce meets a Chenin with creamy lees and acidity.More wines for fish →
  • Crottin de Chavignol Lactic-saline interplay between Loire goat cheese and the wine's citrus-honey signature.More wines for goat cheese →
  • Cured ham and ripe pear salad Pear and chamomile aromatics meet ham saltiness; honey on the finish bridges sweet and savoury.More wines for ham →

With cheese

Sainte-Maure de Touraine Our pick The consortium suggests a Chenin or Sauvignon from Touraine for this cheese. A dry Touraine Chenin, raised in tank or older oak, has the high acidity and citrus or orchard fruit to cut through a creamy, tangy log.

History

Le Haut-Lieu is the original vineyard of Domaine Huet, purchased by Victor Huet in 1928. The 9-hectare parcel of deep clay over limestone produces the most approachable of the three crus.

  1. 1928Victor Huet purchases Le Haut-Lieu vineyard
  2. 1937Gaston Huet takes charge of the estate
  3. 1993Demeter certification granted for biodynamic farming

Facts

Producer
Domaine Huet · visiting guide
Grapes
Chenin Blanc (100%)
Classification
Vouvray AOC
Oak
Vinified and aged in older oak demi-muids and tank, no new oak, around 9 to 12 months on fine lees
ABV
12.5%
Price
EUR 30 to 50 at retail
Drinking window
3-25 from vintage
First vintage
1928
Biodynamic
Demeter Certified
Organic
DEMETER
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu

What does Huet Le Haut-Lieu Sec taste like?

Yellow apple, honeysuckle, lemon and chamomile on the nose; pear, honey, quince and creamy lees on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, layered finish.

When should I drink Huet Le Haut-Lieu Sec?

Drink between 3 and 25 years from vintage. The deep clay over limestone soils produce approachable young Chenin Blanc that ages remarkably well.

Where is Le Haut-Lieu grown?

A 9-hectare south-facing vineyard purchased by Victor Huet in 1928, on deep clay over limestone in Vouvray.

Is Huet Le Haut-Lieu Sec vegan?

Yes. Domaine Huet is Demeter-certified biodynamic since 1993 and uses no animal-derived fining agents.

Tags

biodynamic biodynamic certified cellar worthy chenin blanc dry high acid iconic medium body mood elegant mood refreshing occasion cellar occasion dinner party occasion special old world organic pairs with poultry pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with white fish price premium single vineyard still white vegan

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