We are all familiar with the French all-stars – Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, and even the Rhône. However, few consumers are as familiar with wines of the vast and complex Loire Valley; it’s castle-dotted, riverside paradise has countless treasures that demand a fraction of the price of their more famous compatriots.
This 2015 Muscadet hails from Domaine de la Grenaudière, which has been crafting the thirst-quenching white varietal from vineyards where the Loire greets the Atlantic since the 1800’s. The salt-infused sea air, old vines and unique soil deliver a sensory experience on par with classic Chablis, but with a touch more salinity and a unique mineral fingerprint. The wines from from the western Loire are among the greatest price-to-quality wines on the planet, and this is a perfect example, especially for under $20.
The 2015 Muscadet exhibits a straw core with green reflections on the rim. Fresh and vibrant aromas of lemon skin, sea spray, green melon peel, salted lime and lime blossoms awaken the senses alongside fragrances of nori, stirred lees, almonds, and crushed granite. The palate is just under medium body and boasts beautiful freshness and thirst-quenching acidity that follows through the palate with flavors of lively citrus, green apple core, lemon peel, lime blossom, a touch of oyster shell, crushed granite and a delicate infusion of salty sea air. As is often the case with young white wines, I recommend decanting to release the suspended carbon dioxide and fill in the texture. Decant this particular bottle for one hour and serve between 45-55 degrees in Bordeaux stems. This classic expression is the definitive pairing for raw oysters. If you have access to fresh, quality oysters, grab a bushel or four, throw in some lemon slices and shuck them with your friends alongside copious amounts of this wine. If good oysters are hard to come by in your neck of the woods, sushi or ceviche will be a winner with this wine – although this beauty is also delicious on its own with a cool body of water nearby.