Vincent Van Duysen on the Complex Character of Winery Valke Vleug’s First Vintages
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Puurs, Belgium, isn’t exactly known as an oenophile mecca—yet. That may change now that Valke Vleug, a year-old boutique winery created by former real estate developer Jan Van Lancker and Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen, who designed the wood-and-concrete property in the vein of a Flemish farmhouse, has released its first vintages, both from 2019. There’s a sharp, slightly sour Pinot Noir, and a Pinot Auxerrois, a crisp white that’s redolent of peaches. Van Duysen, a self-described wine lover, is partial to the latter. “It has an intense nose of citrus and spring blossom,” he says. “Plus, it’s aged in an acacia barrel, giving the wine increased spiciness and length.” Both offerings sold out after debuting in January, demonstrating a demand for wine that derives its flavor from the chilly, often cloudy region’s terroir. (Those hoping to nab one of the estate’s 2020 vintages can sign up for its newsletter, which will announce the wines’ launch date soon.)