Domaine François Chidaine Vin de France Les Argiles 2021 Vouvray

Domaine François Chidaine Les Argiles is grown on clay-rich Vouvray sites but bottled as Vin de France because it is made across the river in Montlouis.

Chidaine farms in both Montlouis-sur-Loire and Vouvray, and because this wine ferments and matures in his Montlouis cellar it cannot legally carry the Vouvray name, so it is labelled Vin de France. The change has done nothing to dampen demand. The fruit comes from a series of clay-rich sites, the argiles of the name, surrounding Clos Baudoin, among them L'Espagnole, La Chatterie, L'Homme, Les Reugnières and Le Haut Lieu. Set back from the river, these parcels are planted mostly to 40-year-old bush vines growing on deep chalky clay over limestone subsoil. The combination is deliberate: the clay gives density and generosity of fruit, the limestone beneath supplies the vertical, spicy energy and the long finish. Farming is meticulous and the winemaking follows Chidaine's usual low-intervention approach.

Approachable on release and capable of a decade in bottle, it suits roast pork, smoked fish or a hard sheep's cheese. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees.

*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.