Montlouis Sec Clos de Breuil Francois Chidaine 2023

The ‘Clos du Breuil’ Montlouis Sec by François Chidaine is a bottle that impresses with its stunning depth and energy. This vigneron from the Loire manages 37 hectares of vineyards spread across the AOCs of Montlouis and Vouvray, of which 30 are reserved for Chenin Blanc, the white grape variety of choice for the area. The availability of over 50 different parcels allows the Domaine to benefit from a multitude of soils and microclimates, capable of imparting unique characteristics to the finished wines. The soils of the Montlouis-sur-Loire denomination, to which this label belongs, are characterized by the abundance of typical black flint, nicknamed “choisilles”, and by the subsoil of tuffeau, a white limestone rock particularly common in the Loire. The only grape variety allowed by this AOC is Chenin Blanc.

François Chidaine ‘Clos du Breuil’ Montlouis-sur-Loire Sec is a pure Chenin Blanc cultivated in a 3-hectare parcel planted on clay soils rich in large black flint, with presence of tuffeau in the subsoil. The vines are cultivated following the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. After harvesting, a delicate pressing is performed, and the resulting must is fermented in demi-muids of 620 liters thanks to the intervention of only indigenous yeasts, without undergoing malolactic fermentation. Once the slow fermentation process is completed, the mass rests for an additional 11 months on the fine lees in the same oak barrels.

Brilliant is the straw yellow hue of the Montlouis Sec ‘Clos du Breuil’ by François Chidaine, which on the nose evokes articulated and fragrant perceptions of apple, tropical fruit, white flowers, and citrus zest, accompanied by pronounced mineral puffs. Taste in balance between freshness and softness, with a long and harmonious mineral finish.