Domaine François Chidaine - Les Argiles 2024
Les Argiles holds a unique place in the world of François Chidaine, as this cuvée comes from vines located on the north bank of the Loire, in the historic Vouvray area, while being vinified in the estate's cellar in Montlouis-sur-Loire. Since 2014, it has been marketed as Vin de France for administrative reasons related to the place of vinification, without questioning its viticultural origin or terroir identity. François Chidaine works these plots according to the principles of biodynamics and soil conservation agriculture. The interventions aim to preserve biological activity, root depth, and the natural balance of the vine. Chenin blanc reigns on these slopes where deep clays cover a white chalk particularly favorable to preserving freshness. This clay-limestone structure generally produces wines that are broader and more enveloping than those from the flint clays of Montlouis. Les Argiles thus expresses a generous dimension of chenin, supported by a limestone framework that maintains precision and length.
The 2024 vintage is made exclusively from chenin blanc coming from plots with deep clay and chalk soils. The grapes are hand-harvested to preserve their integrity until pressing. After juice extraction, alcoholic fermentation starts naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts present on the grapes and in the cellar. It takes place in 600-liter demi-muids, whose volume allows accompanying the wine's texture without imposing a dominant woody character. Aging continues on fine lees, gradually bringing breadth, stability, and a creamier mouthfeel. Malolactic fermentation is not systematically sought; its occurrence depends on the vintage's balance and the natural evolution of the batches. In this 2024 harvest, the material retains a precise tension that balances the depth of the clay-limestone terroir.
The pale yellow robe shows fine golden and silvery reflections. The nose opens on ripe pear, yellow apple, and fresh quince, before gaining nuances of white flowers, wax, and candied citrus. Aeration reveals a more mineral dimension, evoking wet chalk, fresh almond, and a slight smoky note. On the palate, the attack is broad, with a supple and dense texture that reflects the depth of the clays. A straight acidity crosses the material and maintains a precise balance between maturity, volume, and freshness. The finish lingers on ripe lemon, white fruits, fine bitterness, and a persistent chalky sensation. Les Argiles 2024 will accompany scallops, roasted turbot, creamy poultry, sweetbreads, mushroom dishes, or aged goat cheese.
