2020 Francois Chidaine Les Tuffeaux Montlouis, Loire Valley

Opening with a subtle, toasty reduction, the 2020 Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Tuffeaux reveals an inviting bouquet of almonds, Anjou pear, white fruits and gentle spice. Medium- to full-bodied, enveloping and round, it is concentrated yet finely balanced, with a fleshy core of fruit, vibrant acidity and a touch of delicate sweetness. The wine concludes with a racy, mineral-driven finish that reflects its clay, silex and limestone terroir.

94+ points, Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate 

From limestone rich tuffeau soils on the Montlouis side of the Loire, Les Tuffeaux is one of François Chidaine’s most precise and mineral expressions of Chenin Blanc. Working biodynamically and with a very light hand in the cellar, Chidaine allows the vineyard to speak clearly, and this cuvée often shows a tighter, more linear profile built for ageing.

The 2020 vintage has both ripeness and definition. Aromatics open with green apple, quince and pear, layered with lemon zest and a hint of grapefruit. There is a classic Chenin signature here, a touch of honey and beeswax, along with a chalky, almost dusty mineral note that gives the wine its backbone.

On the palate it is medium bodied with a firm line of acidity driving the wine. The texture is lightly waxy but taut, with orchard fruit moving into more savoury notes, almond, spice and a faint saline edge. The finish is long, clean and mineral, tightening up beautifully at the end.

Winemaking is handled with precision, native ferment, minimal intervention and careful élevage, resulting in a wine that feels both pure and structured.

This is a brilliant partner for seafood with a bit of edge. Think oysters with a sharp mignonette, grilled sardines with lemon, or a seafood stew with tomato and herbs. It also works beautifully with dishes like salt cod fritters, potato and leek pie, or a simple roast chicken with thyme, the wine’s acidity and mineral line keeping everything fresh.

Already showing well with a bit of air, it will reward patience over the next ten to fifteen years, developing deeper honeyed, nutty and savoury complexity while holding its line.