In the glass
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. -
Pike-perch (sandre) with beurre blanc
Loire's signature freshwater fish in butter sauce meets a Chenin with creamy lees and acidity. -
Crottin de Chavignol
Lactic-saline interplay between Loire goat cheese and the wine's citrus-honey signature. -
Cured ham and ripe pear salad
Pear and chamomile aromatics meet ham saltiness; honey on the finish bridges sweet and savoury.
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.
- 1928 — Victor Huet purchases Le Haut-Lieu vineyard
- 1937 — Gaston Huet takes charge of the estate
- 1993 — Demeter certification granted for biodynamic farming
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Huet
- 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)
Scores
- Vinous 93 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2024)
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.