The holy grail of wine exploration is finding a wine that drinks way above its price point. If I may suggest one? Domaine Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sur Lie "Les Pierre Blanches" 2010.
The Melon de Bourgogne grape, when grown in the proper soils (in this instance schist), with organic practices, and handled with care, produces a wine that is so much better than it's price tag would suggest, it's a real treat for the senses.
It is a crisp, rich but not heavy, apple and citrus flavoured white with acidity and minerality to spare. The reason I suggest this is poor man's white Burgundy, is that if you can keep your hands off this wine, or any of Luneau Papin's wines, for 10-15 years you would be amply rewarded with a wine that tastes much like mature white Burgundy.
The cold Atlantic keeps this part of the west coast of France quite wet and "maritime" and these grapes ripen very slowly and coldly. The sugars remain low and the acidity high, creating the perfect wine for anything light and aquatic. There are no wines, except Champagne, which pair better with oysters than good Muscadet. Try for yourself!
"Les Pierre Blanches" 2010 retails for $21.15 per bottle in cases of 12, and currently at the LCBO in Vintages you should be able to find Domaine Luneau-Papin's Muscadet "Pierre de la Grange" 2010 for $14.95! Pierre de la Grange is sourced from vines over 50 years old and tended all by hand.
Have you had these wines before? What are your thoughts?
Have a great day,
Chris.
