Catherine and Pierre Breton La Dilettante Vouvray Brut

Catherine and Pierre Breton La Dilettante Vouvray Brut

Catherine & Pierre Breton
$32.00

Grape: Chenin Blanc
Vintage: NV
Type: Sparkling

This sparkling white wine is crafted by natural wine pioneers Catherine and Pierre Breton from biodynamically farmed plots in Vouvray. The chenin blanc grapes are hand-picked from rows rooted in thin topsoils over porous tuffeau limestone. Vinification adheres to the traditional method, utilizing a native yeast primary fermentation followed by secondary bottle fermentation and extended aging on the lees. This disciplined low-intervention process focuses on capturing regional mineral tension over simple commercial fruit sweetness.

It pours a pale gold color with a fine, persistent stream of bubbles, opening with clean aromas of green apple, pear, and lemon zest. A creamy yet linear mousse delivers crisp flavors of fresh citrus fruit alongside a subtle hint of warm brioche. A sharp, limestone-driven acidity cuts right through mid-palate, keeping the mouthfeel thoroughly refreshed. The chalky geology imparts a distinct saline texture that frames the long, bone-dry finish. It leaves a mouthwatering, stony impression.

Catherine & Pierre Breton is a pioneer in the natural wine movement. Based in the village of Restigné, the Bretons produce vibrant, terroir-driven wines from both Bourgueil and Chinon, primarily using Cabernet Franc, and from Vouvray, using Chenin Blanc. The couple began farming organically in the late 1980s and adopted biodynamic practices shortly after, becoming a reference for natural winemaking. The winery produces a variety of cuvées based on different soil types—including gravel, clay, and tuffeau—that showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard plot.