The Champalou familyCatherine, Didier, and their daughter, Clineare Chenin Blanc specialists: from the vineyards around their home in the heart of the Vouvray appellation, they make wines in every style from the noble Pineau de la Loire, as the grape is also known. Their Vouvrayptillantis crafted in themthode traditionelle: the secondary fermentation takes place in bottle, and then the wine is aged extensively on its leesin this case, two yearsbefore being disgorged and recorked. From clay and limestone vineyards, they are able to obtain remarkable complexity in their Brut, while the texture shows both a creamy richness and an austere minerality. For this reason, this wine makes a great bargain alternative to Champagne, but it is important not to overlook the fact that it comes from a terroir and grape variety of its own. The Champalous like to serve it at the end of a meal, but this dry sparkler works well from theapritifall the way through dessert.