Domaine François Chidaine Vin de France Les Argiles 2020 Vouvray

Domaine François Chidaine Les Argiles is grown in Vouvray but labelled Vin de France, because it is made across the river in Montlouis.

The rule is a technicality: because Chidaine ferments and matures this wine at his cellars in Montlouis-sur-Loire, it may not carry the Vouvray name, and it appears as Vin de France instead. The fruit comes from a series of clay-rich sites surrounding the Clos Baudoin, among them L'Espagnole, La Chatterie, L'Homme, Les Reugnières and Le Haut Lieu. Set back from the river, these parcels are largely planted to forty-year-old bush vines growing on deep, chalky clay over a limestone subsoil, which is where the name argiles comes from. All are managed biodynamically and with regenerative practices. Harvesting is by hand with multiple passes through the vineyards, fermentation runs on indigenous yeasts, and the wine ages on lees in 620-litre demi-muids for about eleven months. It is dry Chenin of real substance, and the label is the least of it.

Drinking now and capable of a decade or more in the cellar. Serve at 10-12°C with roast pork belly, smoked eel or a mature Comté.

*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.