2018 Domaine Huet Le Haut-Lieux Vouvray, Moelleux

From: Vouvray, Loire Valley, FranceVarietal: Chenin Blanc Taste: In the glass, the 2018 Moelleux shows a golden hue with straw-yellow edges. The nose opens with ripe pear, yellow plum, and quince paste, followed by floral notes of honeysuckle and chamomile. Botrytis adds layers of dried apricot, ginger, and faint beeswax. On the palate, it offers flavors of golden apple, orange zest, and acacia honey. There’s a saline edge beneath the fruit, and the acidity—while less taut than in cooler vintages—still provides enough lift to carry the sweetness. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering tones of peach skin, spice, and lanolin.

 Pairing: This moelleux is well suited to dishes that feature sweetness, depth, or soft, savory elements. Its richness works best with foods that offer a combination of texture and gentle fat, while its balance of sugar and acidity invites pairings beyond dessert. It works particularly well with roasted poultry dishes, such as turkey with fruit-based stuffi