Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Grillonieres by Alice Chidaine 2022

Les Grillonnières is a tiny parcel of 120-year-old Chenin Blanc farmed and bottled by Alice Chidaine, eldest child of François and Manuéla.

Montlouis-sur-Loire lies on the left bank of the river opposite Vouvray, and Les Grillonnières sits on the flint-clay soils typical of the appellation. The parcel is small and its vines are around 120 years old. Alice Chidaine finished her studies with spells at Dagueneau and Clos Rougeard, and with the old-vine Chenin specialist Chris Alheit in South Africa, before returning home in time for the 2016 harvest; she has worked this plot since 2015. The site faces south and is warmer than the Epinays parcel her brother farms, and the extra ripeness shows in the fuller, more textural shape of the wine. Winemaking barely differs from her father's, and the label carries both names. The result is refined and textural, with juicy lemon, fleshy pear and fragrant herbs over phenolic grip, tangy acidity and an iodine-flecked close.

Drink over the next eight years. It suits grilled fish, roast chicken or a goat's cheese salad, served 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.