From their base in Montlouis-sur-Loire, Francois and Manuela Chidaine have built one of the Loire Valley's most admired estates, a reference point for biodynamic Chenin Blanc that other vignerons measure themselves against.
Backstory
Francois Chidaine took over his family's vines and made his start in 1989, building on a second-generation estate in Montlouis. His wife Manuela joined the project in 1999 and set up La Cave Insolite, a tasting room and wine shop in Montlouis that showcases small growers from across France. Over the following decades Francois became a leading voice for natural viticulture in the region.
The Region
The estate is centered on Montlouis-sur-Loire in the Touraine, with prized parcels across the river in Vouvray, both appellations devoted to Chenin Blanc. The Chidaines also make easy-drinking, value wines under the broader Touraine appellation.
Vineyards and Farming
The estate has grown to around 30 hectares of Chenin Blanc, many of them old vines of 40 to 80 years of age. Francois began experimenting with organic and biodynamic farming and achieved certification in both by 2003, following the Maria Thun biodynamic calendar to time work in the vines by the solar and lunar cycles.
Winemaking
The wines are made with a light hand to let the limestone and tuffeau terroir speak, ranging from dry through to sweet styles in the great vintages, alongside a traditional-method Montlouis sparkling. Single-parcel cuvees such as Clos du Breuil and Les Bournais sit beside blended Montlouis and the Vouvray wines.
The Wines
The lineup spans dry and demi-sec Montlouis and Vouvray, single-vineyard Chenin bottlings, a Methode Traditionnelle sparkling, and approachable Touraine reds and whites made partly from purchased fruit.
