Francois Chidaine 'Les Choisilles' Montlouis-sur-Loire, France

2022 François Chidaine Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Choisilles is a vibrant and mineral-driven expression of Chenin Blanc from one of the Loire Valley’s most respected vignerons. This cuvée reflects both the energy of the vintage and the purity of Montlouis terroir, balancing citrus brightness with depth and precision.

Product Details:

• Winemaker & Owner: François Chidaine
• Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
• ABV: 13.5%
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Terroir: Clay and coarse flint (“les perruches”) over tuffeau chalk subsoil
• Vinification & Aging: Indigenous yeast fermentation in 600L demi-muids (lasting up to six months); aging on fine lees in demi-muids; malolactic fermentation not pursued
• Apogee (Drinking Window): 2023–2032

Sensory Description:

This Montlouis bursts with vivacity and freshness, hallmarks of the vintage. Aromas of citrus zest and yellow stone fruits dominate the nose, supported by hints of white flowers. On the palate, it is full-bodied and fruit-laden yet finely balanced by a driving mineral core from the flinty terroir. The texture is both generous and precise, with a lingering finish that is mouthwatering and refined.

Awards & Accolades:

• 93/100 – Revue du Vin de France (2022 vintage)

Winemaker's Background:

François Chidaine is internationally recognized as a master of Chenin Blanc, with 37 hectares of vines across Montlouis, Vouvray, and Touraine farmed biodynamically since the late 1990s. Revered for his meticulous vineyard work and commitment to purity, he was awarded a rare third star in Revue du Vin de France’s 2017 Guide, placing him among the Loire’s elite producers. His wines, consistently praised for luminous energy and balance, showcase the expressive versatility of Chenin across diverse soils, with Les Choisilles representing Montlouis’ flint and tuffeau-driven tension and depth.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 10–12 °C in medium-sized white wine glasses. The wine’s brightness and textural complexity make it an excellent partner for dishes such as chicken with pineapple, shrimp in curry and coconut milk, lobster, monkfish, fennel-based recipes, and classic Loire Valley goat cheeses. It also pairs beautifully with sweet-salty combinations, melon, or exotic fruit salads.

With its vivacious fruit, chiselled minerality, and long aging potential, the 2022 François Chidaine Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Choisilles is a benchmark Chenin Blanc that brilliantly captures the soul of Montlouis. It is both immediately enchanting and structured for graceful evolution through 2032, a testament to Chidaine’s mastery of this noble variety.