DOM. DE LA BRETONNIERE MUSCADET

A hotbed of volcanic activity millions of years ago, the ancient eroded soils of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine region are the optimal growing site for the area’s singular Melon de Bourgogne grape. The volcanic rock and clay found in Domaine de la Bretonnière’s vineyards provides drainage for a Maritime region known for natural humidity, a network of rivers, and significant rainfall.

The Domaine’s Muscadet Sur Lie Sèvre et Maine is an excellent example of the brisk, linear, textural wine the AOC is best known for. Made entirely of Melon de Bourgogne, the juice was separated from the lees after pressing, fermented, then aged on fine lees in concrete tanks for seven months. This period of sur lie maturation lends a creaminess and rounded feel to the palate of the otherwise crisp, direct wine.

The resulting wine is delicate, textural, and dry with notes of white grapefruit and melon. This wine is immensely popular in France, with the majority of the Domaine’s production snapped up in Paris, where the city’s bistros and restaurants serve it with fresh fish and seafood – a perfect pairing.