Tasting Notes
Biodynamic. This Domaine has a number of cuvées that often fall into what would traditionally be called demi-sec territory. However, Chidaine prefers to call these wines tendre, or ‘gently dry’. This is because the level of sweetness can fluctuate widely depending on the vintage. Like the great wines of the Mosel, these are wines where the sugar/acid balance is more important than residual levels. They are powered by their ripeness rather than sweetness, and always finish tangy and fresh.
This three-hectare clos sits just above the Clos de Breuil, on a plateau where the silex (flint) gives way to broken chalk and clay. It’s home to 60-year-old guyot- and bush-trained vines that are hand-harvested in tris with very low yields (circa 30 hl/ha). You can expect 10-20g/L of residual sugar. - Importer Note
In France's Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc might be synonymous with the famed region of Vouvray, but François Chidaine has put the smaller, lesser known Montlouis sur Loire on the map.
Yes, Chidaine has done for Chenin in the Loire what Didier Dagueneau did for its Sauvignon Blanc, creating a renaissance of winemaking in Montlouis and resuscitating sites in Vouvray. His reputation amongst Loire vignerons should bring no surprise that in his youth, Dagueneau's own son Benjamin sought to gain experience from Chidaine.
Although Chidaine's Vouray vineyard wine, the Baudoin, is declassified to Vin de France on account of it being vinified across the river border, the collection really speaks of the terroir of Montlouis. Les Bournais is perhaps the the most "Vouvray-esque" of the Montlouis, but even the Chenin d'Ailleur, the Chenin "from another place" really echoes Chidaine's spirit of Montlouis. First made in 2016 when Chidaine lost most of his fruit to ferocious frosts, the Fort family in Limoux, Languedoc offered up part of their Chenin harvest to the Chenin Master. Despite more ideal conditions in the Loire over the past years, the relationship has weathered the storm, now with the third vintage of the Vin de France as a more playful and juicy offering amongst Chidaine's classic style.
The Montlouis sur Loire wines from François Chidaine are deep, powerful, layered and textural. Whole bunch, wild ferment and long ageing on lees in larger format neutral oak with a very considerate, hands off approach in the cellar gently guide these wines to bottle. A true master.
| Product Type | Wine White Chenin Blanc |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Sub Region | Montlouis |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |