Les Déronnières Sec 2022 (2022) - François et Julien Pinon

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Les Déronnières is the latest addition to Domaine Pinon's specific selections and is produced from their oldest vines. Initially vinified separately, it used to be blended into Silex Noir. From 2015 onwards it has been bottled separately to highlight its unique characteristics.

Les Déronnières Sec 2022 (2022) - François et Julien Pinon

Type: Vino Bianco

Area: France, Loire, Vouvray

Appellation: Vouvray AOC

Grape variety: Chenin Blanc

Vintage: 2022

Winery: François et Julien Pinon

Alcohol: 12.5

The appellation: Vouvray AOC

Vouvray AOC is one of the most celebrated appellations in the Loire Valley, in France, famous for its extraordinary Chenin Blanc-based white wines. Located in the Touraine region, along the right bank of the river Loire, Vouvray produces a range of wines from dry (sec) to sweet (moelleux), through to high-quality sparkling wines made using the metodo classico.

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What to eat with Les Déronnières Sec 2022

Who makes it: François et Julien Pinon

The Domaine François et Julien Pinon is one of the historic estates of the Loire, founded in 1786 and specialising in the production of Vouvray of great elegance and longevity. Today, Julien Pinon continues the work begun by his father François, keeping to an organic and biodynamic approach, in full respect of the terroir. The estate works with the aim of bringing out Chenin Blanc in its fullest expression, through sustainable viticulture and winemaking that respects the identity of the vintage and of the land.

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The vine of Les Déronnières Sec 2022

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc is a white grape variety native to the Loire, in France, known for its incredible versatility. It is able to produce a wide range of wines, from dry, mineral whites to traditional method sparkling wines, right through to botrytised sweet wines of extraordinary longevity.

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Les Déronnières Sec 2022: the terroir of Vouvray

Vouvray

Vouvray is a prestigious appellation of the Loire Valley, on the right bank of the river, east of Tours, in the department of Indre-et-Loire.Renowned for its white wines made exclusively from Chenin Blanc, Vouvray is one of the most versatile appellations in France: here dry, off-dry, sweet and sparkling wines are made, all sharing freshness, elegance and extraordinary longevity. The terroir, made up of limestone (tuffeau), clay and siliceous soils, together with the continental climate with Atlantic influence, favours the slow ripening of the grapes, bringing out their aromatic complexity and acid structure.

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Climate: Temperate

Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: River

Profile of Les Déronnières Sec 2022

Primary aromas: Notes of quince, lemon and a hint of grapefruit.

Secondary aromas: Facets of dried flowers and lemon zest.

Tertiary aromas: Nuances of honey and paraffin, with a smoky minerality.

Tasting notes: On the palate the wine is dry, with a lively acidity that balances a fruity core of apple and citrus. Limestone minerality emerges on the finish, giving a long, refined persistence.

Sulphites	yes
Body	Medium body with an elegant structure
Acidity	High, giving freshness and longevity
Tannin	No
Sweetness	Dry
Finish	Long, with a mineral and fruity aftertaste.
Colour	Bright straw yellow
Clarity	Clear
Body	Medium

Winemaking methods used for Les Déronnières Sec 2022

Fermentation in wooden vats

Fermentation in wooden vats is a traditional, refined winemaking technique in which the must ferments inside wooden vessels — usually large casks, truncated-cone vats or oak tanks — rather than stainless steel or concrete. This allows natural micro-oxygenation, which encourages a slower, steadier fermentation and gives the wine added complexity, volume and aromatic finesse. It is used both for structured, long-lived reds and for serious whites, sometimes alongside skin maceration or followed by ageing in the same vessel.

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Ageing methods used for Les Déronnières Sec 2022

In cask (1–6 months)

Ageing in cask for a short period, of between 1 and 6 months, is a technique designed to give the wine stability, roundness and slight development, without overwhelming its varietal profile. Large casks, usually of Slavonian oak or untoasted French oak, allow a gentle micro-oxygenation that smooths youthful rough edges without interfering with the primary aromas. This choice is often adopted by producers who want to obtain authentic, terroir-driven wines, with a touch more complexity than ageing in stainless steel.

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