Outside of Champagne, the Saumur area in the Loire Valley is the main source of France's sparkling wines. However, Chenin Blanc grapes planted in the right place, and in the hands of a good winemaker, produce wines of great complexity. Such is the case with the Domaine Fouet, a fresh, lively wine. Aromas of fresh lime, yellow plum, and a honeysuckle and jasmine-like floral perfume, waft from the glass. The first sip floods every corner of your palate with lime, apricot skins, grapefruit, yellow plum and white peach, all suffused with salty, chalky, mineral suggestions. The finish will have you licking your lips and reaching for your glass again.
Apricot, honey, lime citrus, honeysuckle, jasmine and flintstone.
Walking through Saumur with Julien Fouet you may get the impression you are with a celebrity. From every corner of the street a hand goes up, a whistle is heard, or someone stops him to shake hands and have a quick chat. He is well known at every restaurant in town, not to mention all the watering holes. So infectious is his enthusiasm that it seems to involuntarily draw people near. Domaine Fouet has been in family hands for six generations and is a classic father and son operation with dad tending the organically farmed vineyards and son, Julien, making the wine.
This French Chenin Blanc longs for my version of Sole Veronique, a classic French recipe which is an elegant and simple preparation containing grapes in a light herb sauce. Another option, try my good friend Jan's recipe for "Jan's Fish Fry." The wine's acidity will help cut though the rich flavors of the fried fish and tartar sauce.
The historic town of Samur is home to the French National School of Horsemanship as well as the Officer School for armored forces (tanks)!