The 2021 Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Epinays by Pierre Chidaine (1500ml) is a beautifully precise and deeply mineral Chenin Blanc from one of the Loire Valley’s benchmark biodynamic families. Produced by Pierre Chidaine from organically farmed old vines in the Les Epinays vineyard in Montlouis-sur-Loire, the wine reflects a meticulous low-intervention philosophy focused on terroir transparency, freshness and textural refinement. Planted on clay and flinty soils over tuffeau limestone, the vineyard gives a wine of remarkable tension and aromatic complexity. The nose reveals preserved lemon, quince and ripe pear layered alongside white flowers, crushed chalk and subtle smoky mineral notes, giving the wine impressive lift and precision.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with vibrant natural acidity, layered texture and a tightly wound mineral core. Layers of citrus oil, orchard fruit and delicate savoury complexity are balanced by saline freshness and chalky tension, finishing long, dry and beautifully persistent with excellent structure and ageing potential. Indigenous yeast fermentation and careful lees ageing contribute subtle richness and depth while preserving the wine’s crystalline purity and energetic Loire character. The magnum format further enhances freshness and longevity, allowing the wine to evolve slowly and gracefully over time.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2021 Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Epinays by Pierre Chidaine is a superb Loire Chenin Blanc — mineral, layered and beautifully refined with outstanding freshness and terroir detail. Perfect with oysters, scallops, roast chicken, goat’s cheese or refined seafood dishes. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar gracefully through 2042+.
