François Chidaine - Montlouis sur Loire Les Epinays by Pierre Chidaine blanc 2021 MAGNUM (sec)
Loire
White
Sold individually
Drink or Keep
96/100 Coup de Cœur
RVF
"Les Epinays 2021, a dry Chenin matured in a glass globe with unprecedented precision. The chalky energy it develops chisels a radiant depth that is extremely salivating. This is a marvelous illustration of what we're looking for in a great Loire white today". (RVF 2024 guide)
Features
Estate
Domaine François Chidaine
Cuvée
Les Epinays by Pierre Chidaine (Magnum)
Vintage
2021
Designation
Montlouis-sur-Loire
Region
Loire
Grape varieties
Chenin, vignes de 600 ans
Terroirs
Flinty clay soils, Tuffeau bedrock
Viticulture
Certified Biodynamic
Harvest
Manual with successive sorting
Winemaking
Pressed in pneumatic presses, alcoholic fermentation carried out by indigenous yeasts, in wineglobes (40%) and demi-muids (60%) for up to 6 months, no malolactic fermentation.
Breeding
6 to 8 months on fine lees in wineglobes (40% - small glass vats) and demi-muids, blending before magnum bottling
Alcohol content
13%
Residual sugars
1.8 g/l
Organic
Yes
Tasting & pairing
Eye
Clear, brilliant colour
Nose
Fresh, candied lemon and orange blossom, combined with delicate minerality
Mouth
Beautiful texture balanced by a pleasant freshness, good length
Serve
Decant at 11-12°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink before
2035+
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy as an aperitif with sea bass, sole, lobster, seafood platters, goat's cheese...
Domaine François Chidaine
Montlouis-sur-Loire
Expert opinion
Bettane & Desseauve
Domaine rated (guide 2025) 4*Stars (Top-quality producers, the glories of French winegrowing)
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 great gourmet wines mature with time.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Domaine noté 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 (guide 2024) 96/100 Favorite
Domaine rated (guide 2025) 3*Stars (They represent the excellence of the French vineyard. The best terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wines is always a magical experience)
About the wine:
Les Epinays 2021, a dry Chenin matured in a glass globe with unprecedented precision. The chalky energy it develops chisels a radiant, extremely salivating depth. A wonderful illustration of what we're looking for in a great Loire white today.
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 his vinification and ageing techniques, working to the highest standards in his vineyards, which 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 sparkling fruit of these wines needs a few years in the cellar to open up and reveal its full potential. A must for all lovers of the great Loire expressions of Chenin.
Customer reviews
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