François Chidaine, 2020 Les Argiles (dry)



Vintage

2020

Region

FranceLoire Valley

Appellation

Vin de France

Cuvée

Les Argiles

Varietal

Chenin

Farming

Biodynamic, No/Low till, regenerative viticulture

Vinification

Aged in bottle before release, Barrel Aged, Barrel Fermented, Estate grown grapes, Hand harvested, Indigenous yeast fermented, Large format barrel aged, Organically Grown Grapes

Soil Type

Chalky Limestone, Clay

From 15-50 year old vines, this wine takes its name from the fact that the vineyards are predominantly clay based with some chalky limestone, giving the wines a more forward profile than some other cuvées in the lineup.
Chidaine’s estate grown Vouvray produced from parcels throughout the great vineyards of the Clos Baudoin property, Les Argiles is normally vinified dry. Notes of honey, citrus, pear and apple are present in the nose with just a hint of caramel. Full-bodied in the mouth, but fresh with lively acidity, this is world class chenin at an unbeatable price.
Apparently there was a little known rule in Vouvray that requires wines from the appellation to be aged entirely in the village. Currently Chidaine along with another well known Montlouis producer are in legal proceedings to have the appellation status reinstated for their Vouvray wines. Beginning in 2014, this wine is bottled without the appellation, but is very much the same wine that we have come to know and love from this fine estate.