Didier Chaffadron, Loire Valley

Originally from Savoie, Didier Chaffardon moved to Anjou in 1996 and after a decade working with some of the pioneers of the region he purchased the 3ha of vineyards that he farms today. The vineyards are made up of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grolleau across three parcels planted on a mix of schist and different types of clay.

All of Didier’s wines are fermented naturally and aged in a mixture of vessels – tanks, barrels and glass demijohns. A tasting in his cellar is quite a mythical experience, always accompanied by a bit of Bach and a multitude of wines across many vintages. The wines are unique to the region, very complex and deep with a high level of drinkability. The reds are crunchy, fruit forward with firm structure and occasionally the gaminess that comes with Cabernet or Grolleau whilst the whites show the full spectrum of what Chenin is capable of – richness, minerality, acidity and sometimes residual sugar, something Didier is a true master of.