Vingt Neuf. By Nicolas Bertin & Geneviève Delatte

I remember the day I opened this bottle, which had arrived at my home thanks to Abbie Moulton, my dear British sommelier who selected wines for my most recent book. I looked at the label for a moment longer than I usually would. I knew there was something special about this wine. Yes, I am a lover of good, traditional, or intriguing labels. I’m the sort of person who, despite my love and understanding of wine, when faced with a shelf full of unfamiliar bottles, will choose one based on its label rather than anything else.

As Abbie noted in the accompanying description sent to my email, the wine is fresh and mineral, with a hint of white fruit and white flowers, “in which dazzling apple and sweet quince notes shine through.” This wine, delicately off-dry rather than overtly sweet (again, Abbie’s words), is nearly impossible to resist—it’s difficult to stop at just one glass. And I couldn’t agree more.

This unique 100% Chenin Blanc captivates you from the moment the cork is removed to the last drop you savour. Sourced from century-old organic vineyards in the Loire and aged in barrels for a year, it transforms into a deep yellow, truly luscious wine. An incredible and inspiring creation by Nicolas Bertin and Geneviève Delatte.