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Buy OnlineVincent and Tania Careme inherited 5 hectares of vines in prime Vouvray terroir (just east of the city of Tours) from Vincent's parents. They have since bought more vineyards and rented some as well to give a total of around 15 hectares which includes the superb Le Clos terroir.
All their wines are made from Chenin Blanc (the white Orbois grape is also permitted in this appellation) and they produce both sparkling and still wines. The wine is matured in oak casks, the majority of which are old (up to 10 years old) and a small proportion (around 10%) of which are new. The grapes are picked by hand and pressed gently and then the natural yeasts are allowed to do their work.
The vines grow overlooking the cliffs that line the Loire River in this part of the valley. Limestone rocks litter the surface and solid limestone is never far below the surface. Vincent is gaining a very strong reputation as one of Vouvray's finest producers being praised by the likes of Jancis Robinson.
Reviews for previous vintages below…
bbr.com (2018 Vintage)
"This fabulous, bone-dry Vouvray is from one of the appellation’s brightest stars. On the nose, expect aromas of orchard fruit, lanolin and a seductive hint of peach (indicative of the warm 2018 vintage). The palate is textured and generous, in part thanks to the time this cuvée spent in oak. At the same time, there’s no mistaking the shimmering acidity and mineral core that are hallmarks of Vincent’s wines, and which make this age-worthy, yet hugely enjoyable now with shellfish or as an apéritif. Drink now to 2023."
92/100 Wine Spectator, March 2020 (2018 Vintage)
"Elegant and silky, but with a chalky mineral crunch behind the notes of persimmon, vanilla spice, daisy and honeydew. Hints of cardamom and savory mineral add to the complexity as this firms up on the long, mouthwatering finish."
91/100 Vinous, July 2020 (2018 Vintage)
"Smoky and tropical with pineapple and mango balanced by attractive flint notes, dancing acidity at the midpalate and lingering flavors of fennel and white pepper on the finish. From 45 year-old vines in clay and flint limestone. Aged 8 months in a mix new and old foudre."
91/100 Decanter (2018 Vintage)
"Vincent Caréme is one of the most dynamic producers in the Vouvray appellation, where a good number are content to rest on Vouvray’s reputation concentrating on making mediocre sparkling wine for the supermarkets. Carême is open-minded and keen to help new producers get established. He and his South African wife, Tania, also make wine in South Africa. 2018 is a very good, ripe Loire vintage and this Sec is a true reflection. It has a ripe, vivid texture, the wood is well handled and there's good acidity on the long finish. Although it can be drunk now, I would leave it another year or so before thinking about drinking it."
92/100 Wine Enthusiast, May 2019 (2017 Vintage)
"This wine, living up to its name, is certainly dry. With tight acidity as well as a yeasty edge, it is young and full of bright white fruits. With the intense crisp texture and the mineral character of this wine, allied to the touch of spice from wood aging, it needs to age. Drink this full, fruity wine from 2021."
93/100 Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com (2016 Vintage)
"Dry with a hint of fruit sweetness. Lively tangerine and lemon fruit, and a delicate spiciness. Fruity and delicious with a hint of marmalade and tingling acidity, as well as a bit of apricot. Such purity and detail. Stony and fine."
