Domaine de la Sénéchalière Coeur de Raisin 2023

Domaine de la Sénéchalière is the estate of Marc Pesnot, a grower near Nantes who works outside the tight rules of the Muscadet appellation and bottles his wines as Vin de France so he can follow his own methods. Coeur de Raisin is made from Melon de Bourgogne, the classic grape of the western Loire, farmed organically and vinified naturally with wild yeasts and minimal handling. The vineyards lie close to the Atlantic on soils of gneiss, schist and granite, cool stony ground that ripens the grape gently and lends the wine its characteristic salinity and cut. The maritime climate keeps acidity high and alcohol low, here just eleven percent. Without added yeast or the corrective steps of conventional winemaking, the fruit is left to speak plainly, and time on the fine lees builds a subtle bready texture and gentle weight on the mid palate. Expect a pale colour, a fresh nose of green apple, pear and lemon with a saline lift, and a dry, lightly textured palate with a clean, mineral finish. Serve well chilled at around 9C. It is made for the seafood of its home coast.