Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin La Grange Vieilles Vignes 2023

Domaine Luneau-Papin is a leading organic estate in Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, the heart of the appellation in the western Loire. La Grange comes from old vines of Melon de Bourgogne, farmed organically and grown on soils of granite, gneiss and orthogneiss, hard crystalline rock that yields low crops and drives a firm, saline minerality into the wine. The vineyards lie close to the Atlantic, where the maritime climate keeps ripening slow and acidity bright. The defining technique here is sur lie ageing: the wine rests on its fine lees over the winter, and the slow breakdown of those spent yeast cells releases mannoproteins that build texture, lend a subtle bready character and give the wine weight without any oak. Old vines add concentration and depth. Expect a pale colour with a faint spritz, a nose of green apple, pear and lemon with a saline lift, and a dry, textured palate that finishes long and stony. Serve well chilled at around 10C. This is a benchmark oyster wine.