François Chidaine - Montlouis sur Loire Les Grillonnières by Alice Chidaine 2023 (sec)
95/100
RVF
97/100
Decanter
“A superb Montlouis that perfectly balances richness, freshness, and delicacy!”
Les Grillonnières reveals a vibrant freshness with notes of yellow and green lemon, complemented by a subtle minerality. Made from century-old vines, this Montlouis captivates with its aromatic richness—featuring yellow fruits and delicate floral notes—and its remarkable balance of richness, smoothness, and liveliness. Ideal as an aperitif or paired with fine cuisine.
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Eye
Clear and brilliant color
Nose
A pure, delicate, and fresh bouquet, with aromas of yellow fruit, floral notes, and hints of yellow and green lemon zest, along with a subtle minerality
Palate
Intense and concentrated, refined, with delicate mineral acidity and fine tannins, and a refreshing, briny finish
Serve
Decant at 11-12°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2036+
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy as an aperitif with sea bass, sole, lobster, a seafood platter, goat cheese...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2026 guide) 4*Stars (Producers of the very highest quality, the pride of French viticulture)
About the estate:
François Chidaine, one of the leading figures in the revival of Montlouis wines, brings out all the nuances of each vineyard plot—ranging from flinty clay to white Tuffeau chalk—using biodynamic farming methods. Revitalizing about ten hectares of Vouvray vineyards on the opposite bank, this winemaker—strongly supported by his wife Manuela—now also relies on his children Alice and Pierre, who have joined the estate. These fine wines for fine dining improve with age.
Decanter
Wine rated (2025 guide) 97/100 (2022 vintage)
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2025 Guide) 95/100 (2022 Vintage)
Rated estate (2026 guide) 3*Stars (These represent the pinnacle of French winemaking. The finest terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wine is always a magical experience)
About the estate:
Since his debut in 1989, François Chidaine has become a leading figure in Loire white wines, an unparalleled winemaker now revered by many other vintners. He is among those who put Montlouis, his home region, 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 certified biodynamic since 1999. We cannot praise highly enough the level achieved by the wines of this exceptional winemaker. The “Vins de France” are in fact Vouvrays that, having been vinified outside their appellation zone, cannot claim the appellation. The range consists of blends from various plots (Choisilles, Argiles, Tuffeaux, Moelleux) and unique lieux-dits (Clos du Breuil, Les Bournais, Clos Habert, Baudoin). The sparkling fruit of these wines requires a few years in the cellar to open up and reveal itself fully. An essential estate for any lover of the great Loire expressions of Chenin. The transition to his children, Pierre and Alice, is proceeding smoothly.
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