Domaine François Chidaine Vin de France Moelleux 2016

Domaine François Chidaine Moelleux is a sweet Chenin Blanc drawn from both Montlouis and Vouvray, and so bottled as Vin de France.

The central Loire was hit by severe frost on 27 April 2016, and Chidaine lost around 90 per cent of the crop, ending the year at an average of 5 hectolitres per hectare. Only four cuvées came out of the domaine's Montlouis and Vouvray vineyards, and this moelleux was one of them. It is a blend of strictly sorted late-harvested and botrytised grapes from parcels on both banks, which is why it carries the Vin de France label rather than an appellation. The wine was raised for 11 months in used 600-litre barrels and bottled unfiltered, finishing with 35 grams per litre of residual sugar. That is gentle sweetness by Loire standards, and it sits inside the firm acidity Chenin gives on these tuffeau soils.

Drinking well now and good for ten years or more. Serve at 8-10°C with pork rillettes, a mild curry or a washed-rind 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.