Francois Chidaine is a wine hero who refuses to wear a cape. We have had one of his wines, the Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, in Kompas Club before and are very likely to have more of his wines in the future because his wines are compelling and, though his wines sell out quickly every year, he modestly keeps his prices low. He took control of his father’s small collection of Montlouis-based vineyards in 1989 and through integrity, intelligence and undeniable talent has become one of the biggest producers in the Loire. His estate has been certified organic, then biodynamic for decades and is now regeneratively-farmed, but he never indicates this on his labels. This Gamay (a grape most known for Beaujolais but with a long history in the Loire) is ripe yet fresh with all the flavors of a Beaujolais, but with a bit more heft. Gamay is one of the most versatile grapes for pairing and can accompany fish, poultry and pork, and can take a chill.