WTN: Great Chidaine

[David M. Bueker]

2005 François Chidaine Montlouis-sur-Loire Les Choisilles
Served with sashimi, this was a lovely match, with the very subtle sweetness of the wine playing off the richness of the fattier fish. Plenty of fruit and plenty of acidity kept it interesting throughout the meal.

Don't really know what to say to this except, "Mmmmmm.....Chidaine.."

What fish did you get for the sashimi?

Nice to hear that the sweetness was 'sutble'. Sometimes this wine strikes me as bold and aggressive, although in a brisk and fresh manner. Nice stuff either way.

Sounds lovely like most of Chidaine's wines. Let me guess; there was no mention "sec" or "demi-sec" on the label?

Thanks for the note. I have one of these in the pipeline but have been afraid to open it because of the Chambers Street blurb suggesting that it is currently closed and will remain so for a few more years. Did you decant or anything?

[David M. Bueker]

I didn't find the wine tight at all, but rather generous, especially with the food. As for the sweetness, I would never call this wine austere, but rather rich in the way that some of those harmoniously dry Germans (e.g. van Volxem) can be. And no, there wasn't a designation on the label.

The fish included tuna, salmon (some very, very good salmon), toro, mackerel, king crab (cooked) & one I cannot recall.

This wine is a bit weird in terms of tightness/sweetness. In previous vintages I have found a definite sweet caramel note that I assumed was from the oak and then such brisk structure that often came across as dry. Haven't had it in a while but it always interested me. Sounds like a fun meal!

[David M. Bueker]

When you're in the area we can try to re-create with perhaps a Huet Sec.

When you're in the area we can try to re-create with perhaps a Huet Sec.

Good idea!

Hmm, still at CSW. I bought several '05 Chidaines, but not this one