Melon Blanc Vendange Nocturne, Pierre- Henri Gadais, Vin de France NV FMR017 DOMAINE DE LA COMBE LOIRE, FRANCE 11% | 6 x 75cl | Cork Melon de Bourgogne 100% Vegetarian, Vegan, Sustainable
Brilliant wine - a modern, vibrant expression of Muscadet Melon Blanc Vendange Nocturne, Pierre-Henri Gadais, Vin de France NV FMR017 DOMAINE DE LA COMBE LOIRE, FRANCE
PRODUCTION
Thanks to being almost completely surrounded by the Sèvre river, this 9 hectare estate benefits from a unique micro-climate and Pierre-Henri is able to select the best plot for each style of wine. To create a wine which best accentuates the vibrancy of Melon de Bourgogne (Melon Blanc).He chose ‘La Cantire’, a fully organic, north-facing plot with schist soil. Grapes are grown organically and were harvested in the cool of the night (again for maximum freshness) and cool macerated on their skins for 12 hours. Once pressed, fermentation was carried out using yeasts naturally present on the grape skins. Unlike the richer style of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie (which is bottled in the Spring after harvest), Vendange Nocturne is bottled in early December with no lees ageing and is naturally lower in alcohol (11%). Pierre-Henri’s decision to name the variety - Melon Blanc - on the label means the wine can only be classified as a Vin de France, even though it originates from one of the best sites in Muscadet Sèvre et Maine.
TASTING NOTE
Lovely, green melon fruit, deliciously fresh and bright yet savoury and sapid too with a touch of salinity on the finish which is satisfying and flavoursome. Alcohol is 11% so refreshingly light.
FOOD MATCH
Hailing from the western Loire, this light bodied yet tasty white wine pairs well with a variety of seafood, fruits de mers, mussels, simply cooked fish. But also it's lightness in alcohol, at just 11%, makes for the perfect aperitif.
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