Vouvray Liquoreux "Rive Droite" 2009
Montlouis Liquoreux "Rive Gauche" 2020
Montlouis Tendre "Clos Habert" 2020
Vin de France Blanc Sec "Les Argiles" 2023
What is Estate François Chidaine and why is it unique
Estate François Chidaine is based in Montlouis-sur-Loire, across the river from Vouvray, in the heart of France’s Loire Valley. Since the 1980s, François Chidaine has emerged as one of the leading figures in Chenin Blanc winemaking. Combining technical mastery with a sensitive and respectful biodynamic approach, he has developed a profound understanding of his soils and vineyards. Farming biodynamically since 1999, the estate is driven by a philosophy of balance, purity and precision. Chidaine’s wines are now internationally recognized for their finesse, energy and ability to reflect their terroir with clarity and elegance.
Which grape varieties are grown at Estate François Chidaine
Chenin Blanc is the estate’s signature grape, cultivated on a patchwork of parcels across Montlouis-sur-Loire, Vouvray and other parts of Touraine. This noble variety finds its ideal environment here to express a wide range of styles—from mineral-driven dry wines to nuanced sweet expressions. The estate also grows small amounts of Sauvignon Blanc, Côt and Grolleau for select or limited cuvées, but Chenin remains at the heart of its identity.
What wine style defines Estate François Chidaine
The wines are known for their purity, structure and age-worthiness. The dry whites show tension, fine aromatics and marked minerality. The off-dry wines balance smoothness and freshness with grace, while the sweet cuvées, produced only in suitable vintages, deliver complex aromas of candied citrus, white flowers and honey. Fermentations occur with native yeasts, without chaptalization, and aging is done in large barrels or stainless steel depending on the desired profile. Each wine is a faithful expression of its place of origin, without artifice or over-extraction.
What food pairings work well with wines from Estate François Chidaine
The dry Chenin Blancs pair beautifully with grilled fish, shellfish, goat cheeses or delicate vegetarian dishes. The off-dry wines work well with roasted poultry, mildly spiced exotic dishes or sweet-and-savory recipes. The sweet cuvées are ideal for fruity desserts, foie gras or blue cheeses. With their structure and freshness, these wines are incredibly food-friendly, bringing balance, liveliness and depth to a wide range of dishes.
Why are wines from Estate François Chidaine so appreciated
The success of François Chidaine’s estate lies in its unwavering commitment to nature, terroir and quiet excellence. His wines avoid flashiness and instead impress with their honesty, elegance and ability to evolve beautifully over time. These are terroir wines with brightness and depth—authentic, expressive and emotionally resonant. Today, they are considered among the world’s finest expressions of Chenin Blanc, both in the Loire Valley and beyond.
