François Chidaine, Vin de France Sec Les Argiles, 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

Produced from low yielding, mature Chenin Blanc vines with an average age of 40 years, selected from seven different parcels on limestone-rich soils (Tuffeau) on the right bank of the River Loire covering 10.5ha. Vines are hand-harvested.

Winemaking

After pressing in pneumatic the fermentation is carried out by indigenous yeasts in demi-muids (600L oak barrels) for up to six months. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation but is matured on the lees in demi-muid (600L oak barrels)

Tasting Note

A dry and minerally Chenin which shows a clear robe and brightness to the eye. Pure and elegant with notes citrus and white fruit. Lovely balance with a tense and saline finish.

Food Matching

Turkey with a citrus glaze, roasted root vegetables with thyme.