2022 Francois Chidaine, Touraine Rose, Loire Valley, France

François Chidaine is celebrated as one of Loire Valley’s finest wine makers, and his reputation is well deserved. His wines showcase an exceptional approach to winemaking, with biodynamically managed vineyards, minimal intervention, and ultra-low yields. Known for crafting Chenin Blanc wines with remarkable depth and complexity, Chidaine’s work is often likened to Didier Dagueneau’s mastery of Sauvignon Blanc (another Loire Valley legend). Chidaine’s vineyards are in Montlouis, a neighbouring region to Vouvray, located just across the Loire River in northern France. Why do we like it? Soon summer will kick in and that’s the bottle you will want to take out from your fridge and enjoy with your friends and family around the lunch/dinner table. It is a vibrant, richly flavoured dry rosé made primarily from Grolleau (70%) grape, with the rest a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay. Unlike the pale rosés typical of Provence, Chidaine’s approach is to pick the grapes at peak ripeness, allowing for a generous amount of skin contact before pressing. The wine is then aged on lees in stainless steel, creating a textured and refreshing rosé. It bursts with herb-scented raspberries and redcurrants, earthy-mineral undertones from the Grolleau, and a delicate grip. Grape            Pinot noir, Grolleau, Gamay Country        France                                  Region          Loire Valley                           Vintage         2022