Michel Picard Vouvray is a demi-sec Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley's Vouvray appellation, bottled at 12% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from two distinct terroirs within the appellation and vinified in stainless steel, it scored 85 points from Wine Enthusiast on its 2016 vintage.Quick Facts: ABV: 12% | Origin: Vouvray, Loire Valley, France | Style: Demi-Sec (Off-Dry) | Producer: Maison Foucher for Michel PicardProduction & HeritageThis Vouvray is produced by winemaker Marc Vappereau at Maison Foucher under the Michel Picard label. The fruit comes from 100% Chenin Blanc vines planted across two soil types: the clay and sand soils of Vouvray itself, and the silica and gravel soils of neighboring Nazelle-Négron. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and is deliberately halted before completion, preserving residual sugar to achieve the classic demi-sec profile that Vouvray is known for — a technique that retains natural grape sweetness without relying on added sugar.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with bright green apple and ripe pear, followed by a wave of apricot and a subtle almond scent characteristic of well-made Chenin Blanc. Underneath, there are faint floral and honeyed undertones.Taste: On entry, the palate is soft and gently sweet, with fresh apricot and quince leading the way. The mid-palate broadens into stone fruit, lemon, and spicy pear, while Chenin Blanc's hallmark acidity cuts through the residual sugar to keep everything lively and balanced. A hint of honey and cream emerges as the wine opens up.Finish: The finish is medium in length with crisp green apple acidity and lingering ground almond. Herbal undertones and a ripe apple aftertaste round out a clean, refreshing close.How to Drink Picard VouvrayServe well chilled, between 8–10°C (46–50°F), to highlight the interplay between fruit sweetness and acidity. This wine works beautifully as an apéritif on its own or alongside food. Try it in a French 75, where its off-dry character and citrus notes complement the sparkling brightness of the cocktail. A White Wine Spritzer with soda and a twist of lemon lets the pear and apple aromatics shine. For something unexpected, use it in a Vouvray Sangria with sliced stone fruit, fresh herbs, and a splash of elderflower liqueur — the demi-sec sweetness provides a natural base.Best For Serving as a chilled apéritif at a dinner party Pairing with Southeast Asian or mildly spiced cuisine Introducing someone to Loire Valley Chenin Blanc Warm-weather entertaining when a fruit-forward, off-dry white is called for Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Picard Vouvray taste like? It delivers ripe apricot, pear, and quince on the palate with a thread of honey and almond, balanced by bright acidity that keeps the off-dry sweetness fresh rather than cloying.How does Picard Vouvray compare to Montlouis? Both appellations produce Chenin Blanc on the Loire, but Vouvray typically shows more pronounced acidity and greater concentration of fruit flavor than Montlouis, which tends toward a softer, more restrained profile.Is Picard Vouvray good for beginners? Its gentle residual sweetness and approachable fruit character make it an excellent gateway into Chenin Blanc and the demi-sec style — it rewards casual sipping without demanding deep wine knowledge.Where is Picard Vouvray made? The wine is produced by Maison Foucher in the Vouvray appellation of the central Loire Valley, France, using fruit sourced from vineyards in the villages of Vouvray and Nazelle-Négron.What foods pair well with Picard Vouvray? Thai green curry, where the off-dry sweetness tempers the spice; goat cheese or chèvre, a classic Loire pairing; roasted pork loin with apples, echoing the wine's fruit profile; seared scallops, whose natural sweetness matches the demi-sec character; and fruit tarts or pear galettes for dessert.What sizes does Picard Vouvray come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.Is Picard Vouvray worth the price? It positions as an entry-level Vouvray that delivers authentic appellation character — dual-terroir sourcing, proper demi-sec winemaking, and the varietal typicity you expect from Chenin Blanc — at a price point that makes it accessible for everyday drinking.Why Picard Vouvray?What distinguishes this bottling from generic Chenin Blanc is its dual-terroir sourcing — clay-sand soils from Vouvray and silica-gravel soils from Nazelle-Négron — which contributes both the wine's rounded fruit weight and its mineral backbone. The deliberate halting of fermentation in stainless steel preserves natural grape sugar without sacrificing the freshness and acidity that define well-made Vouvray. An 85-point score from Wine Enthusiast confirms it delivers on varietal and regional typicity. For drinkers looking for a genuine Loire demi-sec that balances sweetness with structure, this is a reliable and honest representation of the appellation.
