Muscadet, just south of Brittany near the mouth of the Loire and on France’s Atlantic coastline, has a distinctly oceanic influence. Its cool sea breezes and relatively high rainfall produce wines which are light in body and fresh in acidity. The region’s most important grape is the Melon de Bourgogne, which is generally fairly neutral in flavour. However, when grown on the hillsides of Muscadet’s superior quality “Crus Communaux” by quality-focussed producers, and given extended ageing on its lees after fermentation, it can produce wines of great finesse, subtlety and minerality, with a salty bite of acidity.

Domaine Luneau Papin is one of the finest producers in the Muscadet region. This top quality, biodynamically certified domaine comprises 40 hectares of mainly old vine Melon de Bourgogne grapes. Husband and wife team Pierre-Marie and Marie Luneau Papin are the ninth generation of this winemaking family. Goulaine is the most northerly “cru” of the Muscadet Sevre et Maine appellation, situated on slopes overlooking the Goulaine wetlands about 45kms from the Atlantic Ocean.

All their wines are fermented lees post-fermentation for six months or more to gain in complexity and biscuity intensity. They are delicate and elegant yet have gentle richness and power at the same time; truly impressive and delicious wines to enjoy as an aperitif or with shellfish and oysters!