In 1997, I got my first wine job working at The Sportsman Fine Wine Store in Phoenix. Being an absolute novice, I had a lot to learn and a lot of wine to try. One of my very first “aha” moments was with the 1995 Vintage of Champalou Vouvray. It was eye opening to me I was blown away by something that could smell sweet but taste dry. Gripping acid mixed with lush fruit. It was a perfect mix. I’ll never forget that moment when I started to understand what my co-workers were trying to teach me.
The lights turned on and I was hooked. I haven’t left the industry since. Champalou continues to be a treat for me after all these years. I always recommend it to anyone who’s never tried Vouvray before, hoping they’ll have an aha moment also.
