Notes from Polaner Selections:

"Second generation estate located in Montlouis, run by the dymanic couple, François and Manuela Chidaine. For years Chidaine has been a leader in natural viticulture, farming organically and biodynamically. Unlike most of Montlouis, which is on clay and silex, or flint, Bournais lies on clay and limestone, and the name Bournais refers to the particular type of limestone found here.

Today, Chidaine embraces “regnerative agriculture”, a no-till farming approach where permanent cover crops of indigenous and sown plants coexist with the vines. By mimicking nature, the vines find their place in a complex ecosystem, allowing them to better express their place of origin. Additionally, by building soil, François improves the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and converted into plant material and soil organic matter.

Les Bournais is a site overlooking the Loire river. It had been abandoned for some time, but Chidaine believed it to be one of the very best sites in Montlouis, and planted vines here in 1999."