Maison Darragon, Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Haut Des Ruettes, 2022

Grapes

Chenin Blanc

Vintage report

The 2022 growing season in the Loire delivered one of those vintages that reminds you why this river valley has been making wine for over a thousand years. Early budbreak led into a warm, dry summer that had growers watching their vines carefully, but crucially the region's diverse soils and microclimates meant most producers could manage the heat stress without panic. What looked potentially challenging turned generous when September brought just enough rain to plump the grapes without diluting their concentration.

We find ourselves with wines that sing with pure fruit but carry real substance underneath. The Sauvignon Blancs from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé show brilliant mineral precision alongside ripe citrus flavours, while Muscadet delivers that classic shellfish-friendly salinity with more weight than usual. Chinon and Bourgueil produced Cabernet Francs with lovely spice and enough tannin to age gracefully, though they're already drinking beautifully now. Most of these wines are hitting their stride already, with the reds showing particular charm over the next three to five years.