“If food is the body of good living, wine is its soul.” ………. Clifton Fadiman
Maybe the name scares you off. But allowing that to happen only allows you to short change yourself. All the information about this wonderful wine is right before you in its name. Allow me to break it down: “Sevre et Maine” is the appellation, something like “Napa Valley,” or “Willamette Valley,” or “Rioja.” The Sevre et Maine is within the Loire Valley, more specifically in the western region, and the “Le Fief du Breil” is simply the specific vineyard in that region within the Loire Valley and wherein this beauteous wine begins. In fact, the “Sevre” is also the name of one of the two rivers adjoining the property. Looking at it from this perspective, now don’t you wish the labels of other wines you contemplated buying also gave you so much information and in such a brief format?
Muscadet (please do not confuse with Muscatel) can be somewhat bland and lean. You may have tried such a wine and given up on tasting more. That too would be short changing yourself. Muscadet is made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. This grape tends to be somewhat neutral. But you could also say that about chicken until you’ve had it prepared correctly.
This Muscadet created by Jo Landron comes from an AOC classified in 1936. It is a bright style white wine with subtle lemony fruit in the nose and on the palette. It presents mineral and a creamy mouth feel with excellent body. Its acid-fruit balance creates a crisp finish but also a desire to take another sip. Since taking over the Domaine in 1990 (it was founded by his father in 1945), Jo Landron moved to 100% organic viticulture (“Health Nuts” take note). No herbicides. No pesticides. All fertilization is with biodynamic compost. Grapes are harvested by hand.
The term “Sue lie” on the label means on the lees. And that means the wine rests on its sediment from 6 – 12 months. It stays in contact with the dead yeast cells left over after fermentation. Landon ferments the juice naturally in glass lined, temperature controlled tanks. Despite the melon grape’s tendency toward neutrality, this process softens the wine and gives it depth. This wine is one of subtlety and finesse. It graces you. It hints.
Any seafood will be uplifted with this wine. Depending on how you prepare the chicken, it could be too. Oysters are a dream accompaniment. Serve this wine between 48 and 51 degrees. And buy more than one bottle. Quality Muscadet can age well; this bottle easily until 2016. You may have to shop on-line or look around for this particular label. I haven’t had luck finding it in the big-box stores. Average retail price is around $16. All quality Muscadets are a bargain and you should enjoy them. To insure that you do, look for a label with the designation “Sur lie.”
A Votre Sante.........
Jim
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