Francois Chidaine
Francois Chidaine is undoubtedly one of the world masters of Chenin Blanc. Located in Montlouis-sur-Loire, in the heart or Touraine, the estate comprises 45 hactares -of which 32 are Chenin Blanc!- on a patchwork of different soils with some of the best crus and lieu-dits or the Montlouis and Vouvray appellations. His legendary wines are precise, elegant, deep and complex, a perfect expression of the unicity of Chidaine’s different terroirs.
Touraine Sauvignon
The palate is ripe and fleshy, crammed with stone fruits and chalky drive rather than the stereotypical characters we often associate with the variety. One of the keys to the Loire Valley’s outstanding 2022 vintage is the marriage between fleshy fruit texture and mouthwatering freshness. You’ll find all that here, alongside a snaking finish kissed by tangy, salty lemons. We can’t remember a more exciting release under this label.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Touraine
VINTAGE: 2024
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Sauvignon Blanc
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: stainless steel
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 13%
CASE SIZE: 6
‘Les Argiles’
although this wine is actually 100% Chenin Blanc from Vouvray it is not permitted to be labelled as such—simply because it is fermented and aged across the river in Montlouis. on the one hand, the density, the fruity and sensual generosity of the clays, on the other, the vertical and spicy energy of the limestone.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Vin de France
VINTAGE: 2023
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Chenin Blanc
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: stainless steel
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
CASE SIZE: 6
‘Clos de Breuil’
although this wine is actually 100% Chenin Blanc from Vouvray it is not permitted to be labelled as such—simply because it is fermented and aged across the river in Montlouis. on the one hand, the density, the fruity and sensual generosity of the clays, on the other, the vertical and spicy energy of the limestone.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Montlouis-sur-Loire
VINTAGE: 2024
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Chenin Blanc
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: oak barrel
MATURATION: oak barrel
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 13%
CASE SIZE: 6
‘Les Bournais’
aromas of lemon confit, kiwi, white peach, lime-flower, honey and earth, with subtle hints of pink grapefruit/ crushed raspberry as well. The palate is dense and creamy with chalky ripe pear and citrus fruits with a long, vibrant finish. Named after the soil type "Les Bournais," a unique clay topsoil over limestone (tuffeau blanche) also found across the river in Vouvray.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Montlouis-sur-Loire
VINTAGE: 2024
STYLE: white
GRAPE: Chenin Blanc
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: oak barrel
MATURATION: oak barrel
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 13%
CASE SIZE: 6
Touraine Rouge
This blend comprises equal parts Cabernet Franc, Côt (Malbec), and Pineau d’Aunis, sourced from biodynamically farmed estate vineyards situated just north of the Cher River near Montrichard and Chissay-en-Touraine. At first mineral and peppery on the nose, bright, lively red fruits dominate the palate. Feather-light tannin, all rounded out with Chidaine's signature blistering acidity. A beautifully elegant red from a master.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: touraine
VINTAGE: 2023
STYLE: red
GRAPE: Côt, Cabernet Franc, Pineau d’Aunis
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: stainless steel
MATURATION: stainless steel
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
CASE SIZE: 6
Vin de France Molleux
After pressing, alcoholic fermentation is carried out by indigenous yeasts in demi-muids, 600-liter wooden barrels. This process can last up to six months. The wine is then aged on its fine lees, also in the demi-muids. a clear, luminous colour. Sweet notes of exotic fruit, balance and freshness.
Quick Facts
APPELLATION: Vin de France
VINTAGE: 2018
STYLE: sweet
GRAPE: Chenin BLanc
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: oak
MATURATION: oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 14%
CASE SIZE: 6