François Chidaine, Montlouis Sec, Clos du Beuil, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Touraine, Loire, France, 2023

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

Working 4 ha of leased vines in Montlouis‑sur‑Loire, the estate has since expanded to 37 ha—20 ha in Montlouis, 10 ha in Vouvray, and 7 ha in Touraine (growing Chenin Blanc along with Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and others), François Chidaine is a trailblazer in organic and biodynamic viticulture, the estate transitioned to organic in 1992 and biodynamic in 1999 (Demeter‑certified in 2003). He also champions regenerative, no‑till agriculture with permanent cover crops, low yields, and a strong focus on biodiversity .

Awards