Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Bournais 2024

Les Bournais is the limestone plateau vineyard that François Chidaine regards as Montlouis's strongest claim to Grand Cru status.

Montlouis-sur-Loire faces Vouvray across the river and is mostly planted on clay and flint. Les Bournais is the exception: a four-hectare vineyard on a pocket of clay over Bournais limestone, sitting on a plateau directly above the Loire, with soils that would not be out of place on Vouvray's Première Côte. Chidaine planted the vines in 1998, following the contours of the land to the edge of a chalky precipice. The roots have only about 35 centimetres of clay to work through before hitting limestone bedrock, which is one reason these wines always show a distinctive smokiness. Tasted next to the Clos du Breuil and Les Choisilles cuvées, this is the more Vouvrillon expression, with a powdery, chalky structure. It ferments naturally in 620-litre demi-muids and finishes dry.

Excellent now and capable of fifteen years or more. Serve at 10 to 12°C with scallops, roast pork or a Loire 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.