France — wine

Montlouis-sur-Loire

The often-overlooked sibling appellation to Vouvray, Montlouis-sur-Loire sits on the south bank of the Loire directly opposite its more famous neighbour, producing 100% Chenin Blanc across all sweetness levels from bone-dry to botrytised. The key difference from Vouvray lies in the soils: Montlouis sits on sandy silts over tufa and flint rather than Vouvray's clay-limestone — producing wines that are often more delicate, approachable in youth, and intensely floral. A natural wine hub, hosting producers like François Chidaine and Noella Morantin who have attracted international attention.

Year Rating Notes
2021 Cool, fresh vintage producing dry Montlouis of exceptional mineral purity. Among the finest recent vintages.
2020 Warm year with good natural acidity. Demi-sec and moelleux styles particularly successful.
2019 Outstanding vintage — long, warm growing season produced Chenin Blanc of great complexity and sweetness range.
2018 Hot year producing full, ripe wines. Sec wines of good weight and character.
2017 Good vintage with classic Loire character — fresh, mineral Sec wines and elegant Demi-Sec.