Much maligned over the past decade or so, the once hugely popular Muscadet is now making a deserved comeback, thanks mainly to a new breed of winemakers who put quality above quantity! One such producer is Domaine du Haut Bourg, who have been making wine since 1945. Located around the town of Bouaye, their holdings amount to 40 hectares, 21 of which are planted with Melon de Bourgogne, otherwise known as the Muscadet grape.

In 1994 the new appellation of Cotes de Grandlieu was created, where any wine maker who wished to label his wine from this area, would have to adhere to much stricter quality control and lower yields. The Appellation is devided into parcels, and the vines must be at least 7 years old. Some of the  vines of Haut Bourg are 60 years old and the grapes produced are grown in as natural a manner as is possible.

Only buy Muscadet that has the words 'sur lie' on the label! This ensures that the wine is initially aged on the lees (sediment), thereby enhancing the flavours, richness and complexity of the wine.  

Our example here contains lovely ripe apple fruit, dry and crisp with a surprisingly strong mineral streak on the finish. Made from 25 year old vines, the 2006 & 2007 vintages both received silver medals from 'Le Guide Hachette des Vins', regarded as the French wine bible.

Food Match:  most seafood, salads, omelettes.