François Chidaine - Moelleux 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

François Chidaine, one of the leaders of the Montlouis wine revival, brings out all the nuances of each vineyard plot—ranging from flint-rich clay to white Tuffeau chalk—using biodynamic farming methods. Having revitalized about ten hectares of Vouvray vineyards on the opposite bank, this winemaker—who is strongly supported by his wife, Manuela—now also relies on his children, Alice and Pierre, who have joined the estate. These great wines for fine dining improve with age.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Hailing from Vouvray (but vinified nearby in Montlouis, and therefore marketed as a Vin de France), the 2018 Vin de France Mœlleux opens with a pure, fresh, and chalky nose, featuring aromas of mandarin and remarkable finesse and elegance. On the palate, it is a sweet Chenin that is quite sugary yet refined and elegant, with a juicy yet refined finish, featuring subtle tannins and mineral notes.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Since his debut in 1989, François Chidaine has become a major player in the world of Loire whites, an unparalleled winemaker now revered by many other vintners. He is among those who put Montlouis—his original stronghold—on the map. In the early 2000s, he expanded his operations in Vouvray, notably by acquiring Clos Baudoin from the Poniatowski family. With the help of his wife, Manuéla, François has continuously refined his winemaking and aging techniques, carrying out meticulous work in vineyards that have been certified biodynamic since 1999. We cannot praise highly enough the caliber achieved by the wines of this exceptional winemaker. The “Vins de France” wines are, in fact, Vouvrays that, having been vinified outside their appellation zone, cannot bear the appellation name. The lineup consists of blends from various plots (Choisilles, Argiles, Tuffeaux, Moelleux) and single-vineyard wines (Clos du Breuil, Les Bournais, Clos Habert, Baudoin). The sparkling fruitiness of these wines requires a few years in the cellar to open up and fully reveal itself. An essential estate for any lover of the great Chenin expressions of the Loire Valley. The transition to his children, Pierre and Alice, is proceeding smoothly.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2018 Montlouis Moelleux is another fabulous wine in this lineup. The natural gravity of these old vines works so well with the Moelleux style, producing a rich, deep Chenin full of character. Dried pear, mint, mandarin oil, and apricot intertwine in this highly expressive and nuanced wine.