Domaine François Chidaine : Les Tuffeaux 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Les Tuffeaux 2022 from Domaine François Chidaine

Tasting

Appearance

This wine displays a clear, brilliant appearance with light, luminous hues, characteristic of the Chenin Blancs of Montlouis-sur-Loire crafted in an off-dry style.

Nose

The nose unfolds gradually, offering a delicate freshness carried by fruity aromas, in keeping with the cuvée's usual aromatic style.

Palate

The palate combines fruity notes with a gentle sweetness, supported by a touch of acidity on the finish that brings tension and balance, a hallmark of the tender style sought by the estate.

Food and Wine Pairings

Les Tuffeaux 2022 is delightful as an aperitif, but also pairs beautifully with fish in a butter sauce such as turbot, white meat such as veal chop, and goat's cheese.

Serving and Cellaring

Les Tuffeaux 2022 is best served at a temperature of between 11 and 12°C. This cuvée has an ageing potential of fifteen to twenty years, allowing it to be kept until around 2037, or even beyond.

A Delicate and Expressive Chenin from Domaine François Chidaine, Grown on the Tuffeau Soils of Montlouis-sur-Loire

The Estate

Founded in 1989 in Montlouis-sur-Loire, Domaine François Chidaine now extends over approximately 45 hectares spread across Montlouis, Vouvray and Touraine, in the heart of the Loire Valley. Run by François and Manuéla Chidaine, the estate has established itself as a benchmark for Chenin Blanc thanks to organic viticulture since 1992 and biodynamic viticulture since 1999. François Chidaine is also president of the Montlouis-sur-Loire appellation, whose qualitative potential he has done much to reveal.

The Vineyard

Les Tuffeaux comes from plots located in Montlouis-sur-Loire, on clay soils mixed with flint, resting on a tuffeau subsoil, the soft limestone rock that gives the cuvée its name. The vines, aged 30 to 90 years, are farmed biodynamically and according to the principles of soil conservation agriculture, without any chemical phytosanitary products, with cover crops sown between the rows to promote biodiversity.

Winemaking and Ageing

Les Tuffeaux 2022 is harvested by hand in successive passes, with the grapes transported in crates to the winery to preserve their integrity. Fermentation is carried out solely by indigenous yeasts, in demi-muids of 600 to 620 litres, in a slow process that can extend over several months. Malolactic fermentation is not sought, and ageing then continues on the lees in the same wooden vessels.

Grape Variety

Les Tuffeaux 2022 is made from Chenin Blanc.