Chateau Moncontour Vouvray La Manoca Sec, Loire, France

Description

Crisp pear skin, lemon pith, and a faintly saline mineral note set the tone for 2024 Chateau Moncontour Vouvray La Manoca Sec, a focused, dry expression of Chenin Blanc that leans into precision and freshness. Crafted from carefully selected parcels and bottled as a distinct cuvée, La Manoca highlights the estate’s ability to translate site and season into clarity rather than power. It reflects a producer guided by long stewardship and a quiet confidence in letting Chenin Blanc speak without excess.

Product Details:

• Owner: Christian Feray (male)
• Winemaker: Jérôme Loisy (male)
• Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc
• Vintage: 2024
• ABV: 12%

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with green apple, quince, and fresh citrus, layered with subtle white florals and a chalky mineral edge. On the palate, the wine is taut and linear, driven by bright acidity and clean orchard fruit, with hints of lemon zest and wet stone carrying through to a dry, refreshing finish. Compared to richer or more textural examples of Vouvray Sec, this bottling emphasizes purity and tension, aligning well with the fresh, vibrant character of the 2024 vintage, which favored aromatic lift and precision over weight.

Producer’s Background:

Château Moncontour is a historic Loire estate with deep roots in Chenin Blanc, long recognized for its commitment to expressing the grape across dry, off-dry, and sparkling styles. Under the ownership of Christian Feray and the direction of winemaker Jérôme Loisy, the estate balances tradition with thoughtful modernization, focusing on vineyard expression, careful harvest timing, and restrained cellar practices. Their approach prioritizes consistency, site transparency, and wines built for both immediate enjoyment and graceful evolution.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at approximately 8 to 10°C in a medium-sized white wine glass to emphasize the wine’s aromatics and acidity. This dry Chenin Blanc pairs beautifully with oysters, steamed mussels, grilled white fish, fresh goat cheese, or vegetable dishes featuring herbs and citrus.