Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Bournais 2020

Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Bournais comes from a four-hectare vineyard on a pocket of limestone that is unusual for the appellation.

Montlouis-sur-Loire sits on the plateau between the Loire and the Cher, facing Vouvray across the river, and works exclusively with Chenin Blanc. Most of its vineyards are on clay and flint; Les Bournais is the exception, settled on a limestone plateau above the river on a pocket of clay and the Bournais limestone that gives the site its name, a soil that would not be out of place on Vouvray's Première Côte alongside Clos du Bourg and Le Mont. The vines were planted in 1998 and follow the contours of the land right to the edge of a chalky precipice. There is only around 35 centimetres of clay for the roots to work through before they reach limestone bedrock, which is one reason the wines from here carry a distinctive smokiness.

Rewarding now but built to age for a decade or more. Serve at 10-12°C with roast pork, grilled quail or a firm sheep's milk 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.