Francois Chidaine Vin de France Les Argiles 2019 Vouvray

Francois Chidaine Les Argiles is grown entirely in Vouvray but labelled Vin de France, because the wine is made across the river in Montlouis.

Although the fruit is one hundred per cent Vouvray, the appellation rules do not allow the name on the label when the wine is fermented and aged in Montlouis, where Chidaine’s cellars are, so it goes out as Vin de France. It is drawn from a series of clay-rich Vouvray sites, argiles meaning clay, that surround the Clos Baudoin: L’Espagnole, La Chatterie, L’Homme, La Reugnières and Le Haut-Lieu. Set back from the river, these sites are mostly planted with forty-year-old bush vines on deep chalky clay over a limestone subsoil, and all are managed biodynamically and with regenerative agriculture. The fruit is hand-harvested with multiple passes through the vineyards, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged on lees in 600-litre demi-muids for around eleven months, giving a dry, chalky and savoury Chenin Blanc.

Drinking well now and good for eight years or more. Serve at 10-12°C with roast pork, grilled snapper or a mature goat’s 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.