Sommelier Review – DIVIN ‘Vigneron Edition’ Sparkling Chenin Blanc de Blancs

By Alex V, Co-Founder & Sommelier

This luxury sparkling wine is the latest creation from this esteemed Loire Valley producer, and has already been making a splash around the UK since its recent release. 

Now, I’ll be totally honest, in order to land this wine in the UK ahead of ‘sparkling season’...we actually imported several pallets of it without tasting it first…which we would never normally do (and was actually pretty scary on reflection). However, given the immense trust we have built with this producer, especially in the quality of their existing ‘Vigneron’ collection, and after many lengthy conversations with their winemaking team, we decided to move forward with a speedy import, fully trusting their commitment to excellence in craft.

That being said, we were of course eager to taste this wine before we listed it on our website, and needless to say, it did not disappoint. So, as with all the wines we showcase, here is our professional taste assessment that we are happy to share with you.

Tasting Context

• Producer / Series: DIVIN — Premium ‘Vigneron Edition’ collection

• Grape Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc (Loire-Valley heritage)

• Style: Sparkling “Blanc de Blancs,” partially oak-aged — a rare approach for a sparkling Chenin, lending extra depth.

• Suggested Serving: Chilled (6–8°C), as an aperitif or paired with light white fish, seafood or soft cheeses.

• Information: <0.5% alcohol, 16 kcal/100ml with 2.5g natural sugars, suitable for vegans

  
  

Nose (Aromas)

On first encounter, the bouquet opens up with delicate, youthful aromas — clean green pear and crisp yellow apple, rooted in classic Chenin Blanc ancestry. The bright bubbles deliver punchy pops of aromatics

As the wine breathes a little, and settles in the glass, subtle layers further unfold: a touch of quince, soft white blossoms, with delicate aromas of chamomile, honeysuckle and oyster shell.

Thanks to partial oak ageing (uncommon, but skilfully done), there’s a gentle secondary aroma — a hint of vanilla or toasted brioche — giving an unexpected but elegant depth, offsetting the well defined fruit with light oak spice and a lovely hint of warm toasty character.

Overall, the nose is bright and refined — showcasing a restrained floral-fruity character with a whisper of oak complexity. It’s expressive yet subtle; inviting and elegant, as all luxury sparkling wine should be.

Palate (Taste & Mouthfeel)

On the palate, the wine greets you with a crisp, lively acidity — the hallmark of Chenin Blanc — giving a clean, invigorating start.

The bubbles are fine and persistent, delivering a lively mousse that elevates the wine’s texture. There’s a light-to-medium body — airy but with a pleasant weight, balancing freshness and structure.

Primary fruit flavours echo the nose: green pear, yellow apple, subtle quince and citrus. Mid-palate brings a soft stone-fruit hint — maybe peach or white plum — enveloped by a gentle mineral, chalk-like undertone that provides a sense of terroir and finesse. 

The oaked ageing shows through in subtle notes of brioche and biscuit, with a trace of vanilla and almond — not heavy or overly ‘oakey’, but enough to add texture and complexity. The finish is clean, moderately long, with lingering citrus-zesty brightness and a gentle honey-toast nuance.

All in all, it’s a refined sparkling wine: elegant, balanced, and true to its Chenin Blanc roots — with the extra refinement from oak and a classic French ‘restraint’.

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Because of its bright natural acidity, lively bubbles, and subtle oak complexity, this sparkling Chenin works beautifully with:

• Light seafood — oysters, scallops, grilled white fish

• Shellfish or seafood platters

• Soft / fresh cheeses, goat cheese, chèvre, creamy ricotta

• Light salads with citrus or vinaigrette

• Mild poultry dishes (e.g. roast chicken, turkey) especially with herb or lemon seasoning

• Delicate desserts — lemon-based tarts, light fruit sorbets, citrus pastries

Serve well chilled (6-8°C) to emphasize freshness and sparkle; use a standard white-wine glass or a ‘tulip’ flute to fully appreciate the delicate yet complex aromatics.

Verdict: Who This Wine Is For

This is a standout example of what a dealcoholised sparkling wine should be: elegant, balanced, expressive, and indulgent.

For mindful drinkers — It proves “non-alcoholic” doesn’t mean “compromised.” Botanical freshness, lively acidity, and fine bubbles give you all the joy of a classic Loire sparkling.

For wine lovers & sommeliers — The oak ageing and refined Chenin Blanc character bring structure and complexity — rare among NA bubblies. It’s versatile and serious enough for refined dining or pairing menus, and I can’t wait to explore this further.

For novices & curious sippers — Light, bright, easy to enjoy. It’s approachable, not heavy, and perfect for celebrations. Doubtful anybody would turn it down, to be fair!

Final Thoughts…

OK, so it is clear that our overall impression of this wine is clearly…excellent. 

Is there room for improvement? Yes, of course. I would perhaps have liked to see even more complexity from additional time in oak. That may be more of a personal preference. But I would love to see producers continue to push the envelope on investment in winemaking techniques like this, for their premium or luxury wines. I believe consumers and the wider market are ready and willing to pay more for this investment, but also that they can (and do) appreciate the subtle but significant increase in quality this represents. The price point is also by no means cheap, but that said, the average bottle of Champagne is usually twice this price, for some context.

And as for my personal impression of this wine…

Well, I am slightly concerned that I could possibly end up drinking more than we sell! And that is down to the fact that this wine genuinely works for me. I love luxury sparkling wine. As a sommelier, who occasionally enjoys quality crafted traditional/alcoholic wine, one of my ‘go-to’ styles is a great quality (French) sparkling. And the honest truth is that if I was passed a glass of this at any occasion, not only would I probably not guess/assume that it was dealcoholized wine, but I would genuinely be very content with what was in my glass…and be ready for a refill shortly thereafter.

It is balanced, elegant, and everything I look for in a top notch bottle of fizz.

Now, wine is very personal, so my palate and preference will be different from others, of course. But whether this wine speaks to you or not, you can be reassured that it represents the very best in its class. Truly wonderful dealcoholized wine, perfect for those indulgent moments when only a luxury sparkling wine will do…

So cheers to more of those!

Check out this amazing wine here.