The 2024 Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Bournais is a beautifully expressive and mineral-driven Chenin Blanc from one of the Loire Valley’s benchmark biodynamic producers. Produced from the historic Les Bournais vineyard in Montlouis-sur-Loire, where clay-limestone soils rest over tuffeau limestone, the wine reflects François Chidaine’s meticulous low-intervention philosophy and extraordinary terroir transparency. The 2024 vintage combines impressive concentration with crystalline freshness, resulting in a wine of remarkable tension, texture and aromatic precision.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with vibrant natural acidity, layered texture and a tightly focused mineral core. Notes of ripe pear, white peach, preserved lemon and subtle exotic fruit are balanced by saline freshness, chalky tension and delicate smoky minerality, finishing long, poised and beautifully persistent with excellent depth and ageing potential. Indigenous yeast fermentation in demi-muids and extended lees ageing contribute subtle richness and a satin-like texture while preserving the wine’s energetic Loire character and crystalline purity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2024 Domaine François Chidaine Montlouis Les Bournais is a superb Loire Chenin Blanc — mineral, textured and beautifully refined with outstanding freshness and terroir detail. Perfect with scallops, roast chicken, goat’s cheese, lobster or refined seafood dishes. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar gracefully through 2040+.
