Domaines Landron Le Fief du Breil 2018

Domaines Landron is a family estate in the Loire, farming biodynamically since 2006 and vinifying plot by plot to draw out the character of each site. Le Fief du Breil is a single vineyard within AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, planted to Melon de Bourgogne, the region's mineral, low-aromatic grape. The soil does much of the work: the older, harder subsoils of the Sèvre et Maine give a firm, saline structure that rewards long ageing. After a slow fermentation the wine is matured on its fine lees, the technique known as sur lie, where extended contact with the spent yeast builds texture, a faint bready depth and a protective freshness while adding a light saline grip. A 2018 with several years behind it, this shows the way fine Muscadet gains breadth without losing tension. The colour is pale straw. The nose is discreet and mineral, with lemon, green apple, pear and white flowers over a briny, oyster-shell note. The palate is dry and taut, the lees-derived texture cushioning a bracing acidity that finishes long and salty. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees.