Domaine François Chidaine : Les Argiles 2018

The balance and delicacy of a Loire white wine produced as a Vin de France

The estate

In 1989, François Chidaine decided to plant a few hectares of vines and create his own wine estate in Montlouis-sur-Loire, in the heart of the Touraine region. Concerned about his surrounding environment and the balance between nature and man's work, François Chidaine has been managing his vineyard using organic farming methods since 1992 and biodynamic farming since 1999.

Recognised for their quality and their authentic expression of the terroir, the wines of Domaine François Chidaine are among the essential references for Loire wines. The François Chidaine estate reigns over a vineyard that has been gradually developed to reach a surface area of 37 hectares (of which 20 are in the Montlouis-sur-Loire appellation, 10 in Vouvray and 7 in the Touraine appellation). This vineyard is located on a mosaic of soils composed of clay, flint and limestone, which contribute to the style of its wines, authentically expressing the specificities of each of their terroir of origin.

The vineyard

Produced as a Vin de France, the 2018 Les Argiles wine by Domaine François Chidaine comes from a parcel of vines that are 40 years old on average and are planted on a soil composed of deep clay and white chalk of a clay-limestone nature. The subsoil is made up of Tuffeau, a soft, white limestone rock that encourages deep rooting.

The vintage

2018 was a year marked by unstable weather conditions, with a very rainy month of June followed by a particularly hot summer, which increased the pressure of mildew. Thanks to the work of the estate's team, the harvested grapes give rise to a wine that boasts a perfect balance between maturity and freshness.

Vinification and ageing

The harvest is carried out by hand and is accompanied by successive sorting. Pressing is followed by alcoholic fermentation using indigenous yeasts in demi-muids for a period of up to 6 months. No malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged on its fine lees in demi-muids for 1 month.

The blend

Chenin Blanc (100%).

2018 Les Argiles wine by Domaine François Chedaine: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This wine showcases a clear and bright colour.

Nose

The nose elegantly blends pure citrus and white fruit fragrances.

Palate

The palate is seduced by this wine’s balance and its tense and saline finish.

Cellaring

Enjoy today, this Loire wine can be kept in the cellar until 2029 - 2034 to develop its full range of aromas.

Food and wine pairing

Enjoy as an aperitif, the 2018 Les Argiles vintage by Domaine François Chidaine will complement grilled fish, shellfish or goat's cheese.

Service

For an optimal tasting, serve between 11 and 12°C.