François Chidaine - Montlouis sur Loire Les Bournais 2022 (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, from flinty clay to white Tuffeau chalk, using biodynamic farming methods. 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

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

About the wine:

The marvelous Les Bournais draws its inimitable freshness from the soil, so perfectly taming the year's sunny character and offering an airy, floral, saline finish. Delightful Chenin!

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 is made up 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.

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

I can't imagine anyone not wanting to drink the Montlouis Les Bournais 2022. This is a very discreet, carefully crafted Chenin. Grown on clay-limestone soils, the result is elegant and tender, with a lovely chalky line on the finish. Given the drought and heat of the 2022 season, it's to this wine's credit that it retains notes of fresh pear and flowers, as well as appetizing acidity. Notes of nut paste derived from the lees add to the fruity flavors.