Château de la Bretesche Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie 2024, Loire Valley

Situated in Pays Nantais, the western gateway to the Loire Valley, Muscadet has a cool maritime climate shaped by the nearby Atlantic. Fresh and elegant, this wine has a little more body than many Muscadets. Sur lie’ means the wine was kept on its fine lees throughout the winter before being bottled no earlier than 1st March following harvest. As a result, the wine develops subtle notes of bread dough and a rounded texture. Jérémie Huchet is a fourth generation winemaker based in Muscadet. He produces wine from four different sites, including Château La Bretesche where this wine is sourced from. Jérémie began leasing the 13ha vineyard in 2005, releasing his first wine from the 2006 vintage. Situated on the southern banks of the Sèvre Nantaise river, it has been associated with grape-growing as far back as 1387. It was once owned by Louis Jausseaume, lieutenant bodyguard of Louis XIV, and a shield dating from this period appears on the label. Elegant and with a medium body, this wine has aromas of green apple and juicy lemon, a complex texture from being left on the lees, with a dash of salt on the finish. A natural partner with shellfish, it also pairs well with fish, salads, and white meat.