Montlouis-sur-Loire Clos du Breuil 2022
François Chidaine

$37.99 on 6+ (code: 6saves2)
$39.99 reg

93 Vinous Media
Drinking Window 2024-2034
The 2022 Montlouis Clos du Breuil is a sophisticated dry Chenin Blanc—pure yet precise, with the influence of flint playing its part. Ripe pear, peach and floral flavors make this an attractive style. Eleven months on lees contributed to an appealing texture, followed up with well-handled phenolics—a feat, considering the skins were so thick and there was so little juice in the berries due to drought. - By Rebecca Gibb MW on May 2024

Our Tasting Note
(13% abv) A slightly paler than medium gold color. A pronounced nose of gunflint, citrus lime and lemon, some floral notes, lanolin, and sea breeze, leans more mineral than fruit. Medium bodied, med/med+ acids, med+ intensity on the palate, a cooler, long finish. Excellent, a more mineral counter to Argiles!

Grape: Chenin Blanc, 60 years-old vines
Vineyards: Clay with pieces of coarse flint over a base of “Tuffeau” - soft, white limestone. Single plot selection. North-west exposure. 
Farming: Organic and biodynamic. Vines conducted in Biodynamy. No use of phytosanitary products. Natural grass cover between the rows (Only Nematicidal & mellifera plants are sowed). Biodynamic preparations come only from transformed material of vegetal and mineral origin. Manual harvest with multiple sorting.
Winemaking: Pneumatic pressing. Alcoholic fermentation with native yeasts in used 600 liters French oak barrels. Fermentation can last up to 6 months. Ageing on fine lees for 6 to 8 months in the same barrels. The goal is to not complete the malolactic fermentation. 13% alc | 1.5 g/L of RS | 3.25 g/L of total acidity.