Francois Chidaine Touraine Rouge

Located in Montlouis-sur-Loire, Domaine François Chidaine is managed by the dynamic pair of François and Manuela Chidaine. The winery is a beacon of natural viticulture and winemaking in the Loire Valley. François, who worked with his father before setting out on his own in 1989, is a leader in what is called “regenerative agriculture.” Adherents of this viticultural philosophy rebuff the role of tilling, which they believe disrupts the natural fungal and bacterial networks formed within the soil. Left intact, the networks can successfully share nutrients with the vines. François encourages biodiversity by sowing different types of melliferous and nematicidal plants amongst the vines. Rather than a monoculture, the vine now finds itself within a healthy polyculture, as naturally occurs in nature. Although François prefers to spend his time in his 45 hectares of vines (10 ha in Vouvray, 22 ha in Montlouis, and 13 ha designated as Touraine), his progressive attitude extends to the winery, where he applies a light touch

This is a delicious blend of Cabernet Franc, Côt (Malbec), and Pineau d'Aunis. Pleasingly fruity and medium bodied, on the palate lifted notes of raspberry, morello cherry, and cracked pepper mingle harmoniously with gentle tannins and pronounced acidity.  A vin des copains in the classic bistro sense.