| Brand | Boutet Saulnier |
| Appellation | Vouvray, France |
| Varietal | Chenin Blanc |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Body | Light |
| Taste | Candied quince, honeycomb, and dried apricot |
| Alcohol | 13% |
Product details
Domaine Boutet‑Saulnier, based in the historic appellation of Vouvray in the Loire Valley, is recognized for crafting Chenin Blanc wines that marry purity with expressive character. While official tasting notes for the 2017 Cuvée Hédoniste Moelleux are scarce online, the producer is well-known for hand‑harvesting noble‑rot affected Chenin Blanc grapes to achieve a signature moelleux style, rich with residual sugar but anchored by Vouvray’s hallmark high acidity. The cuvée's name, Hédoniste, hints at joyous, indulgent pleasure—an offering that celebrates ripe fruit opulence, botrytis complexity, and balance. Vinified in stainless steel (and occasionally older oak) with sur‑lie aging, the style is meant to preserve freshness and purity while layering luscious sweetness over a stony Vouvray terroir.
On the nose and palate, one would expect Cuvée Hédoniste 2017 to deliver heady aromas of candied quince, honeycomb, dried apricot, white peach, and delicate white flowers, supported by hints of beeswax and citrus zest. The wine’s natural acidity provides crucial lift, preventing the sweetness from feeling cloying and prolonging the finish. This moelleux is a superb match with crème brûlée, tarte Tatin, or almond‑flavored financiers. It would also brighten foie gras, blue cheeses like Roquefort, or spicy fare—think ginger‑glazed duck or Thai‑style curry—where its apricot and floral elements provide a harmonious counterpoint. Serve gently chilled for a sublime balance of sweetness, acidity, and texture.
