Domaine Luneau-Papin 'Le Verger' Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC 2021

The Luneau family operates a rare kind of winegrowing operation in their part of northwest France. With their 38 hectares under vine, they vinify each parcel separately and produce only single-vineyard cuvées. Hence the name of this wine, ‘Le Verger’ (the orchard), is also the name of the vineyard parcel this wine is drawn from. And all of the Luneau-Papin parcels are farmed organically and harvested by hand. As is traditional in Muscadet, their wines age “sur lie” (on the lees), in glass-lined vats, for a minimum of six months following spontaneous fermentation. That time with the lees adds to the distinctive, shoreline character of well-cared-for Muscadet. This deliciously crisp white exudes preserved lemon aromas up front, leading to lemon curd on the palate. A little bit salty and very fresh, with subtle fruit in the background, it boasts a beautiful texture that would work magic with oysters but could also stand up to a piece of crispy-skin salmon. Certified organic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.