Domaine du Haut Bourg : Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu sur Lie "Cuvee Domaine" 2017

A Rich and Balanced Muscadet from the Loire

Domaine du Haut Bourg is a family-run estate situated in the heart of the Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu sur Lie appellation of the Loire Valley. The first Muscadet vines were planted on the estate in 1945 and the vineyard area has since then expanded to 40 hectares in total, with 23 hectares dedicated to the Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet) variety. The Domaine Haut du Bourg Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu "Cuvee Domaine" 2017 is a 100% Melon de Bourgogne white wine produced from 30-60 year old vines, planted at 7,000 vines per hectare in soils of mica schist, granite and sand. Here, a unique microclimate is created by the nearby Lake Grand Lieu to the south, the Loire to the north and the relatively low elevation of 15-25 m above sea level. The parcels are managed with sustainable agricultural practices, minimizing chemical or mechanical intervention. The yields are kept quite low, to 40-45 hectoliters per hectare. After harvest, the grapes are pressed by pneumatic presses and left to settle for 48 hours at 13°C. Before alcoholic fermentation, some of the deposits are filtered to produce a very clear juice. The wine is matured on lees in a tank for the duration of the winter and then chilled for tartaric stabilization before bottling in March.

The Domaine Haut du Bourg Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu "Cuvee Domaine" 2017 presents a yellowish green color in the glass with golden reflections. On the nose, this wine is very floral, with touches of juicy citrus (lemon) and a toasted quality that adds a layer of complexity. On the palate, this Muscadet is very rich and beautifully balanced, with a fantastic burst of minerality. An ideal pairing to seafood dishes, especially oysters, crab and lobster.