Vouvray, France, May 2nd, 2023 – Nestled along the hillsides of the Loire River, the Vouvray AOC’s terroir is deeply present in each harvest. The chenin blanc grape, characteristic of the Vouvray region, provided a strong base for an excellent vintage in 2022.
The 2022 season was not without challenges in the Loire Valley, as was the case in much of France, where extreme weather events threatened every winegrowing region. Frost, hail, and excessive heat necessitated an intense effort from winegrowers, who worked constantly to save the harvest, not knowing how these events would affect the end result. Despite experiencing one of the hottest European summers on record, this year’s harvest exceeded all expectations, confirming the adaptability of the chenin blanc grape.
The result: a well-balanced 2022 vintage, with the classic aromas of chenin blanc brightened by the acidity for which the appellation is famous.
The Vouvray Appellation by the numbers
Among the many appellations of the Loire Region, the Vouvray AOC is notable for its use of one single grape: chenin blanc, a variety that enables winegrowers to produce a complete range of styles: dry, semi-dry and sweet still wines and sparkling wines. This versatility has helped position Chenin among the top 10 white grape varieties in the US according to consumer polls: 11% of those surveyed had drank chenin in the past 6 months.*
Vouvray has already made important forays into the American wine scene, with 13,900 hectoliters imported in 2022. Out of that total, 12,500 were still wines and 1,400 were sparkling – a segment that continues to show promise in the US. Over the past decade, Vouvray’s US imports have increased in value by 25% (6.54 million dollars in 2013 vs 8.18 Million in 2022), representing a continued appreciation for these wines in North America. Vouvray wines are popular internationally, with 25% of annual production exported. Trade professionals have also demonstrated a vested interest in Vouvray wines, as evidenced by their strong showing at the 2023 Wine Paris / Vinexpo Paris trade show, where the dry Vouvrays were particularly sought after.
Building on this image in the US, the Vouvray appellation is launching a multi-year brand awareness campaign in 2023, emphasizing the variety of Vouvray wines. Several events are currently in the works including festivals such as tastings and exhibitions at the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, June 16th to 18th, press tours, professional tasting sessions and more to be announced shortly.
* according to the 2023 US Wine Landscapes Study by Wine Intelligence
Looking to the future: Sustainably developing the Vouvray appellation
In addition to a rich winemaking history, the appellation has continued to grow and innovate in recent years. Vouvray wines are a constant source of inspiration for young winemakers looking to revitalize a family estate or create their own brand.
“Vouvray is an extremely attractive region for new winemakers, experienced producers and industry investors alike,” confirms Alain Le Capitaine, President of the Vouvray AOC association. “The appellation is truly unique because of the strong connection between an incredible grape, the chenin blanc, and an exceptional terroir. As a matter of fact, chenin is considered as one of the grape varieties that best highlights the specificities of the terroir, whether it be through a still or sparkling Vouvray.“
Mindful of the effect that their actions have on the terroir and the region, winegrowers of the Vouvray AOC have collectively implemented several sustainability measures to confront the growing threat of climate change. As of today:
- The AOC is actively working to reduce chemical weed removal, with a large number of producers eliminating it entirely .Many producers have also replaced insecticides with alternative methods, including pheromones.
- The AOC has deployed a new recycling initiative in an effort to recover plastic waste and reuse it in other contexts.
- On an individual level, winegrowers are exploring various creative strategies to safeguard the future of the Vouvray appellation, such as agroforestry.
About the Vouvray AOC
The Vouvray AOC is an association of winegrowers of the Vouvray AOC wine region in the Loire Valley. Founded in 1906, the Vouvray AOC works to defend and promote Vouvray wines through various campaigns, trade shows, and outreach.
For more information : https://www.vinsdevouvray.com/
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About Business France
Business France is the French national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, responsible for fostering export growth by French businesses, as well as promoting and facilitating international investment in France. www.businessfrance.fr
