Domaine François Chidaine - Montlouis - Brut Nature 2022
Domaine François Chidaine has established itself as one of the brightest ambassadors of Montlouis on the Loire, with a highly refined interpretation of the Loire Valley terroirs. A pioneer of demanding organic and biodynamic viticulture, the estate favors living soils, controlled yields, and minimalist interventions both in the vineyard and the cellar. Each plot of Chenin Blanc is worked separately to reveal its own identity, whether for still wines or great sparkling wines from the Loire. The pursuit of purity, tension, and digestibility guides every choice, from the harvest date to the aging duration. Wines signed François Chidaine are distinguished by their uprightness, aromatic depth, and remarkable aging potential. In this universe, the Montlouis Brut Nature holds a special place, a true manifesto of a pure and crystalline style suited both to aperitifs and haute gastronomy.
The Montlouis Brut Nature 2022 is a sparkling wine made using the traditional method, exclusively from Chenin harvested at perfect maturity. The 2022 vintage, generous and bright on the Loire, offered healthy and concentrated grapes, combining richness of matter and structuring freshness. The first fermentation takes place slowly, with indigenous yeasts, to preserve the imprint of the Montlouis-sur-Loire terroir and the aromatic precision of the grape variety. The secondary fermentation in the bottle then ensures a fine and persistent effervescence, the result of extended aging on lees which brings complexity, texture, and brioche nuances. No dosage is added at disgorgement, making it a true Brut Nature, straight and unadorned, where only the raw material expresses itself. This absence of residual sugar highlights the chalky minerality and tension of the Chenin, producing a dry, clean sparkling wine with great terroir clarity. The Montlouis Brut Nature 2022 appeals as much to lovers of great non-dosage champagnes as to enthusiasts of characterful Loire wines.
On the palate, the Montlouis Brut Nature 2022 displays a pale robe with silvery reflections, animated by a ring of very fine and regular bubbles. The nose opens with notes of green apple, fresh pear, and lemon, complemented by touches of white flowers, damp chalk, and a subtle brioche nuance. On the palate, the attack is lively and slender, supported by a chiseled acidity that immediately gives a sensation of great freshness. The texture is precise, with a delicate bubble that caresses the palate and highlights a straight, taut body marked by citrus, quince, and a fine salinity. The finish is long, vibrant, salivating, leaving an impression of purity and mineral energy that invites the next sip. This Brut Nature will be wonderful as an aperitif with oysters, seafood, sea bass carpaccio, or fish rillettes, but also at the table with sea bream tartare, sushi, or herb-roasted poultry. It also pairs very well with fresh or lightly aged goat cheeses, which emphasize its chalky dimension and precision.
Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
