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Andre and Michel Quenard’s Abymes and Chignin Vielles Vignes have been two of my favourite wines since starting at Goedhuis and offer great value for money for Spring/Summer after-work or weekend-all-day drinking. Johnny has long advocated the Abymes, citing it as a more interesting alternative to a Pinot Grigio and it is difficult not to agree. So, it is wonderful to learn that the Wine Advocate has awarded the Abymes 2010 and Chignin VV 2010 90 and 92 points respectively.
Both the Abymes 2010 at £9.17/bottle and the Chignin Vielles Vignes at £11.25/bottle are made from the Jacquere grape- an alpine variety that is common in Savoie and one that is very pleasing to try- both manage to be refreshing, lightly fruity with lots of minerality and are great with summer picnics or just lots of cheese. Or on their own.
For those interested in what Robert Parker has to say:
2010 Andre and Michel Quenard Abymes
“The Quenards’ 2010 Les Abymes represents the small holding (in a parcel both stony and relatively clay-rich) that they have always had in that village, and consequently is all bottled at one time (typically by early March), unlike their far more numerous Chignin blancs. Delightfully-scented with clover and honeysuckle, it combines a silken texture with lime, pear, and apply juiciness and snap, suggestions of crushed stone peaking out all the way from the nose to the refreshing finish, where a saline savor kicks in and serves for mouthwatering inducement to take the next sip. Enjoy this outstanding value in the course of 2012.”
2010 Andre and Michel Quenard Chignin Vieilles Vignes
“The Quenard 2010 Chignin Vieilles Vignes originates largely with vines planted by Guillaume’s grandfather Andre, though some predate that. There is succulence and sweet ripeness of pear and apple here perfectly set-off by the sense of stoniness and complimented by hints of blueberry and iodine as well as mouthwatering salinity and an almost shimmering sense of fruit and mineral interaction that dominates its long finish. This will be hard to stop drinking over the next 12-18 months.“