François Chidaine - Vin de France Les Argiles 2023 (Sec)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

François Chidaine, one of the leaders of the Montlouis wine revival, brings out all the nuances of each parcel between flinty clay and white Tuffeau chalk, using a biodynamic growing method. Bringing a dozen hectares of Vouvray back to life on the other side of the river, this winemaker, well supported by his wife Manuela, now also counts on his children Alice and Pierre, who have joined the domaine. These fine gourmet wines mature with time.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the wine:

On the Vouvray side, the roundness and liveliness of Les Argiles give it a more appealing approach, with its distinctive aromas and texture.

About the domain :

Since his debut in 1989, François Chidaine has become a major player in Loire whites, an outstanding stylist now revered by many other winemakers. He is one of those who revealed Montlouis, his birthplace. In the early 2000s, he expanded into Vouvray, taking over Clos Baudoin from the Poniatowski family. With the help of his wife Manuéla, François has continued to refine vinification and ageing techniques, working to the highest standards in vines that have been certified biodynamic since 1999. We have nothing but praise for the level reached by the wines of this exceptional winemaker. The wines of France are in fact the vouvrays which, vinified outside their appellation zone, cannot lay claim to it. The range consists of blends of parcels (Choisilles, Argiles, Tuffeaux, Moelleux) and unique lieux-dits (Clos du Breuil, Les Bournais, Clos Habert, Baudoin). The scintillating fruit of these wines needs a few years in the cellar to open up and reveal its full potential. An unmissable estate for all lovers of the great Loire expressions of Chenin. Handover to his children Pierre and Alice is going smoothly.