Vouvray Sec 'Pente de la Folie' 2023 | Sebastien Brunet

Born and raised in Vouvray, Sébastien Brunet was destined to be a vigneron. After studying at the local viticultural school under the mentorship of Vincent Careme, he joined his father Michel at Domaine Roche Fleurie, working together for six vintages. When his father passed away in 2006, Sébastien took over the estate and in 2007 expanded the family domain from 3 to 15 hectares across Vernou and Chançay. Placing the highest priority on tending the vines, he carefully respects the identity of each vineyard parcel. The estate is converting to organic viticulture, operating without machinery or chemical inputs, and produces wines of striking precision. From dry and sweet to dessert and sparkling styles, Sébastien’s Chenin Blanc wines express the grape’s potential to perfection.

The single-plot Folie Chenin Blanc comes from south-facing, 80-year-old vines grown organically on clay-silex topsoils over clay-limestone subsoil. Hand-harvested in small crates, the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for eight months in large oak casks (400–500L). On the nose, it shows intense aromas of dried fruit. The palate opens with an immediate sense of opulence and vibrant fruit, gradually revealing spicy notes and pleasant bitters. The finish is long, fresh, and mineral, highlighting the precision and depth of this remarkable terroir.