Bernard Fouquet Ysance Brut Vouvray Sparkling

This new cuvée is a blend of 40% domaine and 60% négoce fruit, the latter coming from two vignerons Charles Lesaffre works with in Vouvray and Vernou-sur-Brenne. It is not vintage-dated, but is a 2019. The first vinification was in stainless steel, the second in bottle, and it was disgorged in December 2021 after just shy of two years sur lattes. The dosage here was about 8 g/l (there is also demi-sec version). Aromatically this presents notes of gently honeyed minerals and floral fruits. There follows a beautifully poised palate supple and polished, rounded with soft orange and apricot fruits, veined with white pebble mineral notes, chalk and white freesia. It comes supported by a correct mousse and fresh acidity. A crisp and clean finish at the end, with bright acidity. This will make a delicious apéro and is sure to be good value. Tasted twice, in Paris and in London. The alcohol level is 12.5%. Score – 92. (Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com, 2023)