Le Tasting Room

We attended the annual Renaissance des AOCs tasting at the Greniers St Jean in Angers yesterday.  A tasting dedicated to organic and biodynamic producers and those who are seeking to go back to the true meaning of appellation - to reflect absolutely the terroir on which the grapes are grown, to allow the wines to speak for themselves.  We tried wines from a variety of producers but one that stood out above the rest in the Loire valley was  Francois Chidaine in Montlouis.

Francois Chidaine created his own domaine under the appellation Montlouis-sur-Loire in 1989.  He started off with 4.5 hectares of vines and from the beginning, was interested in organic practices.  Today he has around 14 hectares and the vineyard is cultivated along biodynamic lines.

Montlouis Methode Traditionnelle Brut

A Chenin Brut with no dosage - light and fresh with really crisp fruit on the nose.  Refreshing and crisp on the palate with good acidity.  A little grapefruit character at the end but with great fruit and nice length.  Very good.

More tasting notes to follow - we will be at the Salon des Vins in Angers tomorrow and Tuesday.