2022 Francois Chidaine, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Les Bournais

François Chidaine operates his namesake estate in the heart of Montlouis-sur-Loire, where he has been a pioneer of certified biodynamic farming since the 1990s. This specific wine is made from Chenin Blanc vines planted in 1999 on a rare plateau of clay and limestone bedrock, a soil composition that distinguishes this site from much of the surrounding flint-heavy appellation. In the glass, the wine offers firm aromas of apricot, citrus peel, and oyster shell, supported by a saline, full-bodied texture and vibrant acidity. The 2022 vintage provided healthy ripening conditions, resulting in a balanced, expressive profile with notable ripeness and energy. This is a grounded, precise bottle that is ready to enjoy now but possesses the structure to evolve well in the cellar.