rating B+

standout sparkling “Muscadet”

about Louis Métaireau was one of a handful of producers committed to producing high-quality in the Muscadet region in the mid-twentieth century, when others were making bland, forgettable wines: he pioneered the now common practice of ageing the wines on the lees to add more complexity and weight. The property is now owned by his daughter Marie-Luce and her husband Jean-François Guilbaud, who continue Louis's legacy.

wines tasted

Extra Brut NV ($25)

The fruit comes from vines planted in 1937 and 1945 in the the Grand Mouton vineyard, one of the finest in the region. The wine—like most traditional Muscadet—is aged on the lees for six months before another twelve months after the second fermentation in the bottle to create the bubbles. Melon's naturally high acidity and neutral aromas make it ideal for sparkling wine—maybe more producers should be making it.

website www.muscadet-grandmouton.com

email contact@muscadet-grandmouton.com

phone +33 2 40 54 81 92

address Domaine du Grand Mouton, St-Fiacre-sur-Maine