Domaine François Chidaine : Brut Nature Méthode Traditionnelle 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes for the "Brut Nature Méthode Traditionnelle" 2022 Domaine François Chidaine

Tasting

Colour
A beautiful pale yellow hue with golden highlights, this wine reveals a delicate effervescence and a persistent mousse that bring a lovely luminosity.

Nose
Wonderfully pure, the bouquet reveals elegant floral notes reminiscent of hawthorn and orange blossom. It is then enriched with candied citrus aromas such as bergamot, nuanced by subtle exotic touches and a mineral undertone evoking gunflint.

Palate
The attack is lively and structured by a lovely tangy tension. The palate offers a texture that is both dense and velvety, carried by a pronounced minerality. The finish lingers on, leaving a mouth-watering sensation punctuated by a fine bitterness.

Food and wine pairing

Perfect for enhancing an aperitif, this white sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with a seafood platter, oysters, or grilled white fish such as turbot. It also pairs beautifully with simply prepared white meats, light quiches, or fresh cheeses such as goat cheese.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the "Brut Nature Méthode Traditionnelle" 2022, it is recommended to serve it well chilled, between 7 and 8°C. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to develop in the cellar until at least 2030.

Other characteristics

This wine stands out for its extremely dry profile, justifying its appellation, with residual sugars below 2 grams per litre. It also displays a remarkable total acidity, the true mineral backbone of this cuvée.

The authentic expression of Chenin Blanc on the terroir of Montlouis-sur-Loire

The estate

Founded in 1989 by François Chidaine, Domaine François Chidaine is a key reference in the Loire Valley. Starting from a modest family estate, it now spans nearly 50 hectares. A pioneer of environmentally friendly viticulture, the estate has been certified biodynamic since 1999. Today, François and his wife Manuela are progressively passing on their expertise and pursuit of excellence to their children, Alice and Pierre, ensuring the continuity of this Loire institution.

The vineyard

This Montlouis-sur-Loire Pétillant comes from plots on flint-clay soils, locally known as "choisilles", with a limestone tuffeau subsoil. The vines are cultivated according to strict biodynamic principles, favouring natural ground cover without systematic soil tillage. Yields are deliberately kept very low to ensure optimal concentration in the berries.

The vintage

2022 began amid concerns over a spring and summer drought. Against all odds, weather conditions eventually stabilised, allowing for accurate and balanced ripeness levels. This favourable climatic development resulted in a generous and high-quality harvest.

Winemaking and aging

The hand-picked grapes for the "Brut Nature Méthode Traditionnelle" 2022 undergo rigorous sorting. After gentle pneumatic pressing, alcoholic fermentation takes place using indigenous yeasts in demi-muids. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out in order to preserve freshness. The second fermentation, or prise de mousse, occurs in the bottle using the wine's natural sugars. This is followed by aging on the lees for at least 12 months before disgorgement, with no dosage added.

Grape variety

Chenin Blanc (100%).