François Chidaine Vin de France le Chenin d’Ailleurs 2018 (6 Bottles) Loire, France

by Fine Wine Cellars

$272.00 GST Included

AUSTRALIA WIDE SHIPPING INCLUDED

A lip-smacking, crystalline Chenin from the southern soils of the Limoux region (more famous for its sparkling wines), made in the spirit of Montlouis. Chenin d’Ailleurs means ‘Chenin from another place’. If you haven’t heard how the story started, in 2016 Chidaine lost most of his Loire Valley fruit to frost. His friends and seasoned winegrowers, the Fort family, offered up part of their harvest to François to make his own wine. In the hands of a Chenin master, this fruit continues to produce a white worth every one of those many kilometres regularly driven by François Chidaine up and down the long L’Occitane highway.

This a juicer and more playful style than this grower’s northern Chenin, yet it remains classically minimalist, detailed and pure. It has ripe citrus, golden delicious and creamed honey notes, a flowing and nicely textured palate, and a twist of earthy complexity to the juicy finish. The note below gives you a fair clue to the value on offer.

“The third vintage of this cuvée, made from Limoux fruit. The bunches are vinified in Montlouis-sur-Loire, with élevage in demi-muids. The last time I tasted this it was still in barrel, and it seems to have lived up to its early promise. It starts out fresh, fragrant, bright and pure, with a well-framed nose of pithy fruit. A quite lovely Chenin expression on the palate, with the soft structure of the vintage and a delicious weight, but there is also a good frame of acidity here for support. A very fine style, with a surprising (and welcome) freshness and frame, and a good grip in the length.” 92 points, Chris Kissack, The Wine Doctor

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REVIEWS

“[The domaine] is a must for any lover of great Loire Chenin,” *** Le Classement 2021, La Revue du Vin de France (One of only seven Loire Valley producers with this highest rating)

“If you admire purity in chenin blanc, this is an address to remember.” Josh Raynolds, Vinous

“François Chidaine is one of my favorite winemakers in the world. There are times when I can imagine drinking only his wines for the rest of my life.” Peter Liem, peterliem.com

“You have to look to the historical collections of regional leaders Foreau and Huet to find comparable consistently high quality, making it clear that Chidaine is one of the world’s finest craftsmen in the medium of white wine, not to mention a continuing source of amazing value.” David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

 

Fine Wine Cellars

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