Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Bournais 2022

Les Bournais is the one Chidaine Montlouis grown on limestone rather than the flint and clay typical of the appellation, from a four-hectare plateau above the Loire.

Most of Montlouis sits on clay and flint; Les Bournais occupies a pocket of clay over Bournais limestone, from which it takes its name, and the chalky soils would not look out of place on Vouvray's Première Côte alongside Clos du Bourg and Le Mont. Planted in 1998, the vines follow the contours of the land right to the edge of a chalky drop. Roots have only about 35 centimetres of clay to work through before they hit limestone bedrock, which is probably behind the smoky character these wines consistently show. Tasted next to the Clos du Breuil and Les Choisilles cuvées, this is the more Vouvray-like expression, with a powdery, chalky structure that reflects the soil and the site. Chidaine now raises it in a single 1,000-litre untoasted oval cask made for the purpose. It is dry, intense and complex, with tangy orchard and citrus fruit, blossom and ginger over a firm mineral base.

Approachable now but worth a decade in the cellar. Serve with roast pork, grilled scallops or smoked eel at 10–12°C.

*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.