Domaine François Chidaine Le Chenin d’Ici 2022

Domaine François Chidaine Le Chenin d'Ici is a Touraine Chenin Blanc created out of necessity after a badly reduced harvest.

François Chidaine farms in Montlouis-sur-Loire and Vouvray, on the chalk and flint that make those two appellations the reference points for dry Chenin Blanc in the Loire. This label was first made in 2021, when frost cost him 60 per cent of his yields and he approached contacts across Touraine to secure small parcels of Chenin. The Chenin from here, as the name translates, is roughly a half-and-half blend of estate and purchased fruit, and the estate portion includes grapes from a number of the domaine's better parcels across Vouvray and Montlouis. It is made in the same way as his estate cuvées, with hand harvesting, natural fermentation and unhurried élevage. What began as a stopgap has become a regular part of the portfolio and one of the better value dry Chenins coming into Australia.

Ready now and worth keeping four to six years. Serve at 10-12°C with grilled fish, pork belly or a hard goat's cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.