Laurent Chatenay

Loire Chenin Blanc from Montlouis-sur-Loire's mineral slate terroir.

Laurent Chatenay works Chenin Blanc in Montlouis-sur-Loire, a sub-region of Touraine in the Middle Loire Valley. The appellation's cool climate and slate-rich soils shape wines of mineral precision and aging potential—hallmarks of the Loire's white wine tradition. The winery's portfolio centers on Chenin Blanc expressions: La Vallée Aux Prêtres, Les Maisonnettes, and La Vallée each capture the varietal's characteristic balance of acidity and stone fruit. Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate have rated these releases, with La Vallée Aux Prêtres earning particular recognition among the three. Montlouis sits across the Loire River from Vouvray, sharing similar terroir and winemaking philosophy, though often offering a slightly different expression of the same noble grape. The wines reflect the region's commitment to dry and off-dry Chenin Blancs of structure and finesse.