François Chidaine Les Tuffeaux Montlouis 2017

François Chidaine Les Tuffeaux Montlouis is a Chenin Blanc from parcels sitting directly on the tuffeau limestone that gives the wine its name.

Montlouis-sur-Loire occupies the strip of land between the Loire and the Cher, opposite Vouvray, and works with the same grape on the same soft tuffeau limestone, though generally with a lighter cap of sand and flint. François Chidaine, based at Montlouis, is the reference point for the appellation and also farms across the river. Les Tuffeaux comes from parcels where the topsoil is thinnest and the rock closest to the surface. The fruit is picked by hand in successive passes, pressed slowly and fermented with indigenous yeasts in used barrels, then left on lees for the better part of a year. Chidaine farms his vineyards biodynamically and keeps additions to a minimum through the cellar.

Approachable young and capable of ageing for a decade or more. Serve at 10–12°C with pork rillettes, a mildly spiced curry or a ripe 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.