2019 Francois Chidaine Les Bournais Montlouis, Loire Valley

François Chidaine Les Bournais Montlouis from the Loire Valley is a luminous, deeply expressive Chenin Blanc that showcases the quiet power and textural brilliance of this underrated appellation. Crafted from biodynamically farmed vines rooted in the clay and limestone soils of the Les Bournais parcel, this wine is all about precision, tension, and the natural richness that Chenin can deliver when given time and care.

François Chidaine is widely regarded as one of the masters of Chenin Blanc, with a reputation built on purity, restraint, and letting the vineyard speak. Les Bournais is one of his most prized sites, producing fruit with exceptional ripeness balanced by a core of limestone-driven acidity. The wine is fermented slowly with native yeasts and aged on lees in large, old oak demi-muids, adding savoury depth and texture without masking the wine’s mineral edge.

In the glass, Les Bournais opens with aromas of yellow pear, quince, chamomile, honeycomb, and crushed limestone. The palate is layered and structured, offering ripe orchard fruit, citrus zest, subtle spice, and a long, saline finish. It’s dry but generous, with a creamy, mouth-coating texture and vivid energy that make it both powerful and refined.

This is Chenin Blanc that rivals great white Burgundy—built for ageing, food, or slow contemplation. Pair it with roasted poultry, lobster, creamy sauces, or aged Comté.