Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Brut Nature 2019

Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Brut Nature is a zero-dosage traditional-method sparkling Chenin Blanc from biodynamic old vines.

Montlouis-sur-Loire sits on the left bank of the Loire opposite Vouvray and has always made sparkling wine alongside its still Chenin, though rarely at this level of ambition. François Chidaine farms biodynamically and hand-harvests, and for this wine crops at a very low 35 hectolitres per hectare, a figure almost unheard of in Champagne. The fruit is entirely Chenin Blanc, drawn from the flinty perruches sites of Le Volagray and Les Landes together with the clay and limestone aubuis sites of Clos Renard and Les Epinais. Chidaine picks for sparkling at around 11.5 to 12.5 degrees potential alcohol, ripe in flavour rather than sugar, so the terroir rather than the fruit sweetness leads. The base wine is wild-fermented in old 620-litre barrels and the wine is finished with no dosage at all. It shows green apple, pistachio, baking spice and white flowers over a vinous, creamy, saline palate.

Drink now or over the next five years. Serve at 8°C with oysters, fried chicken or a plate of charcuterie.

*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.