Francois Chidaine 'Les Argiles' 2023

Profile & Story

Domaine Francois Chidaine is a second-generation family estate based in Montlouis-sur-Loire, run by Francois and Manuela Chidaine. Les Argiles is sourced from a selection of 40-year-old Vouvray vineyard plots surrounding Chidaine's Clos Baudoin, planted on deep clay and chalk over a tuffeau (soft limestone) subsoil. Although the fruit is grown in Vouvray, the wine is vinified and aged at Chidaine's cellar across the river in Montlouis, outside the Vouvray zone, so it must be labeled Vin de France. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically with no chemical treatments and plowed soils; grapes are pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in 620-liter demi-muids, a primary fermentation that can run up to six months, with malolactic conversion not sought, and the wine is aged on its full lees in the same demi-muids for 6-8 months.

Pairing Recommendation

Shellfish, moules marinieres, monkfish terrine and goat cheeses. Serve at 11-12°C.