Tasting Notes
Biodynamic. Although this wine is 100% Vouvray it is not permitted to be labelled as such because it is fermented and aged across the river in Montlouis. The AOC law states that if a wine is to be labelled ‘Vouvray’, it must be matured within the boundaries of Vouvray itself. For some reason the French authorities have now started cracking down on this (when in the past it was typically ignored) and so Chidaine, whose cellars are in nearby Montlouis, has been forced to drop the use of the Vouvray AOC from his labels. In addition, the word ‘clos’ cannot be applied to a Vin de France! So for now, the wine that should be known as Clos Baudoin Vouvray—for the legendary vineyard where it is grown—is currently simply sold as Baudoin.
Regardless, as followers will know, since purchasing the Clos in 2001, Chidaine’s biodynamic management has re-set Clos Baudoin on its throne as one of the few ‘Grand Cru’ Vouvray vineyards. On the crest of a hill and elevated over the surrounding countryside, the Clos Baudoin vineyard is 2.7 hectares in size with an average vine age of over 70 years. The soils are clay and limestone, with a deep limestone (tuffeau) subsoil. - Importer Note
François Chidaine is one of the France's most exciting white wine makers. Great vineyards managed biodynamically, ultra low yields and 'hands off' élevage are the order of the day here. It gives you an idea of Chidaine's standing in the Loire that when Benjamin Dagueneau wanted to gain experience as a younger man, he went to work with Chidaine. As a collective, his wines offer a remarkably pure and vivid expression of their respective terroirs.
In terms of the regions, Montlouis is Vouvray's little brother, sitting directly across the Loire river in France's North. The analogy of siblings is a good one as the rivalry between these two regions is intense. However, as Montlouis is much smaller in size, 400 hectares as opposed to 1800 for Vouvray, and as most of the wine is consumed in France, Montlouis is less well known. - Importer Note.
| Product Type | Wine White Chenin Blanc |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Sub Region | Montlouis |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |