1971 Marc Brédif Vouvray Grande Année

BY NEAL MARTIN | MAY 01, 2023

I cannot deny that I’ve proselytized the 1971 vintage to the point where I must sound like the most scratched record in my vinyl collection (namely, a war-torn copy of With The Beatles handed down by my nan and kept for sentimental reasons). But it is true that you can travel the globe from wine region to wine region and find marvels that continue to drink well. Case in point, this gorgeous Loire that I chanced upon in London recently. I am a big fan of mature Vouvray, and Brédif seems to have a treasure trove of mature vintages.

The 1971 Vouvray Grande Année is quite resinous on the nose: melted wax, linseed oil and a touch of Kaffir lime. The aromas are muted initially but unfurl with aeration and then motor after several minutes. The palate is really where the action is, with a twist of sour lemon that slices through the lightly honeyed fruit. I adore the delineation of this Vouvray that is surprisingly taut and linear with veins of grapefruit and mandarin on the slightly oily-textured finish. Harmonious and poised, this Vouvray is veiled in both nonchalance and class. 94/Drink 2023-2050.

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