This is excellent and delicious white wine!
However, it wasn't long ago that Muscadet was a region famous for cheap, low quality wine and not much else.
Since its reinvention during the early part of this century though, the region has gained significant respect for charming, well-made, delicious and complex wines that are relevant to the market more than they had ever been before. Wines that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face, with moderate alcohol levels and food-matching capability are often an expensive commodity - Muscadet is a fantastic exception!
Made from grapes grown between the two tributary rivers to the Loire valley, the Sèver and the Maine rivers (the best zone for the region), this wine is aged for a period in tanks on its fine lees (that's the sur lie on the label) which adds complexity and texture.
And that pair of quality designations really changed the Muscadet image forever. Still affordable and recognisable, the Sèvre et Maine and Sur Lie qualifications were introduced to show how delineation, regulation and attention to detail were relevant in this region as much as they were in any other wine-making region.
The region was saved and producers were able to make quality wines that though affordable, at least gave them a fair income.
Like all Muscadet, this wine is made from the intriguing grape variety called Melon de Bourgogne, which is neither melon-like, nor from Burgundy. These vines grow on granite soil, and give the wine green apple flavours with salinity, freshness and a sleek elegance that will lift your spirits whatever you are doing.
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Grape(s): Melon de Bourgogne
Style: Light, Fruity, Fresh, Bright
Best food matches: Shellfish, Seafood, Scallops, Salads, Pasta, Oysters, Goat's Cheese, Cheeses, Aperitif
Alcohol: 12%
