The 2023 Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Grillonieres by Alice Chidaine is a beautifully vibrant and terroir-driven Chenin Blanc that highlights the next generation of one of the Loire Valley’s benchmark biodynamic winemaking families. Produced from organically farmed vineyards in Montlouis-sur-Loire on clay and limestone soils over tuffeau chalk, the wine reflects Alice Chidaine’s precise and low-intervention approach, balancing purity, texture and mineral freshness with remarkable energy. The nose reveals green apple, quince and preserved lemon layered alongside white flowers, wet stone and subtle honeyed notes, giving the wine impressive lift and aromatic clarity.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with vibrant natural acidity, fine textural depth and a tightly focused mineral core. Layers of citrus peel, orchard fruit and delicate savoury complexity are balanced by saline freshness and chalky tension, finishing dry, energetic and beautifully persistent with excellent precision and drinkability. Indigenous yeast fermentation and careful lees ageing preserve the wine’s crystalline purity while adding subtle texture and depth without sacrificing freshness or terroir transparency.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Grillonieres by Alice Chidaine is a superb Loire Chenin Blanc - fresh, mineral and beautifully expressive with outstanding energy and finesse. Perfect with oysters, grilled seafood, goat’s cheese, roast chicken or lightly spiced dishes. Enjoy now through 2035+.
