François Chidaine, Montlouis Demi Sec, Clos Habert, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Touraine, Loire, France, 2017

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

Clos Habert, one of François Chidaine's cherished vineyards, lies within the Montlouis-sur-Loire appellation on the south bank of the Loire River, directly across from Vouvray. The terroir here is particularly notable for its Tuffeau limestone bedrock—a soft, porous marine limestone formed during the Cretaceous period—which is overlaid with clay and flint (silex). This combination is key to the vineyard’s identity and expression.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested in multiple passes to select berries at optimal ripeness. In certain vintages, a portion of the fruit may be affected by botrytis. Whole clusters are gently pressed using pneumatic presses to preserve delicacy and avoid extracting harsh phenolics. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts only. No additives are used, allowing the natural microflora to guide the process. Fermentation takes place in large 600-liter demi-muids (French oak barrels) and can last several months, depending on the vintage and sugar levels.

Tasting Note

This semi sweet Chenin has luscious notes of honey, stone fruits, and a saline, sugary finish, incredible aromatic complexity and is beautifully balanced in the mouth.

Food Matching

Spicy Asian dishes or fruit based desserts.