2021 Francois Chidaine, ‘Les Choisilles’ Montlouis, Loire Valley, France

Producer: Francois & Manuela Chidaine, leaders in natural viticulture, champions of Montlouis, make some of the most celebrated Chenin Blanc wines in the world. Francois took over from his father in 1989, over the years growing the estate,  more than 30 hectares with a high proportion of old vines, most of his holdings are in Montlouis, some in Vouvray & in the Touraine appellation.

Place: Montlouis, an appellation of 400 hectares, located directly across the river from Vouvray, Loire Valley, France.

Farming: Organic & biodynamic certified, regenerative agriculture, no till, cover crops between the rows.

Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Bottling: ‘Les Choisilles’ is blended from old vines in the vineyards of Les Epinais, La taille aux Loups & Clos au Renard within Montlouis. Named after a type of black flint.

Soil: Sandy clay on a base of Tuffeau

Winemaking: Hand harvest, taking 2-4 passes through the vineyard to ensure optimum maturity, fermentation with indigenous yeast, aged in a combination of tank & used demi-muids barrels for 12 months.

Tasting Notes: Mineral Driven – Concentrated Flavor – Focused – Quince, Mandarin Peel, Almond & Bright Lemon