François Chidaine, Moelleux, Vin de France, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Touraine, Loire, France, 2018

Producer Profile

François Chidaine is the producer who put Montlouis firmly back on the map of world class Chenin Blanc’s.

An early disciple of ‘Biodynamie’, he has succeeded in producing some of the most elegant Loire whites with consistently great balance between ripeness and structure.

Viticulture

Biodynamically farmed vines, with hand-harvested late-season fruit, sometimes including noble rot. Low yields and high ripeness ensure intensity and balance.

Winemaking

Naturally fermented in neutral oak demi-muids. Long, slow fermentation followed by lees ageing without in neutral oak barrels for textural depth without overt wood influence.

Tasting Note

Fairly moderate in sweetness at about 25 G/L RS this is a luminous, golden-hued Chenin Blanc with aromas of quince, apricot, honeycomb, and a touch of orange blossom and spice. The palate is gently sweet but vibrant, with lively acidity balancing flavours of baked pear, citrus peel, and a subtle saline finish. Textural, expressive, and perfectly poised.

Food Matching

Delicious with chicken liver pâté, blue cheese, or spiced duck. Also pairs beautifully with pear tart, ginger cake.