The Wine: Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu 2010

Domaine du Haut Bourg Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu is a white wine made from 100% Melon de Burgogne grapes farmed organically. 30-60-year-old vines located north of the Lac de Grandlieu. Vineyards are planted densely with 7,000 vines per hectare. "Lutte raisonnée" practice in the vineyard, aiming to avoid chemical or mechanical intervention. Low yields kept to 40-45 hectoliter/hectare. Aged on the lees in tank for minimum of 7 years.

The Producer: Domaine du Haut Bourg

Located in the heart of the Muscadet appellation Côtes de Grandlieu, the Domaine du Haut Bourg was built by four generations of vignerons. The first vine was planted in 1945 and today brothers Hervé and Nicolas Choblet run their 40 hectares estate together.

Fourteen kilometers southeast of Nantes, the "Côtes de Grandlieu" AOC is formed by nineteen townships that surround the Lac de Grandlieu, wildlife preserve housing 250 species of birds, and is the largest natural lake in Europe and spans 6,300 hectares at its widest in winter. The appellation, founded in 1994, benefits from the distinct microclimate created by the Lac de Grandlieu in the south, the Loire River to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Being uniquely sandwiched between these three bodies of water creates a phenomenon whereby the Cotes de Grandlieu is often spared from the storms that attack the Muscadet appellations of Sevre et Maine and Coteaux de la Loire. Additionally, low-temperature differences between day and night allow for early harvest which helps retain the generous acids typical of Muscadet.

In the cellar, the grapes are vinified traditionally: must settles for 48 hours and then ferments with indigenous yeasts at a controlled temperature to accentuate aromas and freshness. All white wines spend time on their lees, resulting in just the right amount of texture and mouth-feel to accompany their vibrant acid structures. Overall, the style at Haut Bourg is classically bracing and lip-smacking for their entry-level Muscadet Sur-Lie. They also produce a couple special cuvées made from their oldest vines. The Signature is made from 30-60-year-old vines and often harvested a few days later for added texture and dimension, it is aged for a minimum of 5-7 years on its lees in tank before release.

In exceptional vintages, the Choblet brothers make a wine called Origine du Haut Bourgwhich is produced from the oldest "orginal" vines on the estate and is aged 7-10 years on the lees. This singular wine, often available in magnums, shows the amazing aging potential of the wines of Domaine du Haut Bourg. Like many top cuvees from this humble appellation, it is one of the great White Wine values in the world!

The Region: Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a vast region located in western France. It stretches from the hills of Auvergne all the way to the Atlantic coast, cut in half by the Loire River. With over 4 million hectoliters of wine per year, the Loire Valley is one of France’s biggest and most diverse wine-producing regions. The Lore Valley’s production ranges from every-day quaffable and unpretentious wine to some of the country’s finest whites and reds.

The Terroir of the Loire Valley

Upper Loire sub-region: continental climate, soils are mostly flint and limestone formations. This is the land of Sauvignon Blanc, with Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé being the most famous appellations (AOC).

Touraine sub-region: continental climate, soils can be clay with flint or limestone, and chalk. Chenin Blanc is the main grape varietal for white wines, with Sauvignon Blanc coming in second. Red wines are made mostly from Cabernet Franc.

Anjou sub-region: maritime to continental climate, crumbly and soft soil formation called tuffeau. Anjou is well-known for its Chenin Blanc wines, mostly dry although there are good examples of sweet Chenin Blanc in Coteaux du Layon.

Saumur sub-region: continental to maritime climate, soils are made of tuffeau limestone in this similar to Anjou sub-region. Chenin Blanc is vinified as a sparkling wine with the champenoise method, Cabernet Franc is made into light and peppery wines.

Pays Nantais sub-region: maritime climate, the region stretches to the Atlantic Ocean. Soils are rocky with granite formations. Muscadet is the main grape varietal of this area, known for wines that are mineral, crisp, and refreshing.

The White Wines of Loire Valley

White wines represent the biggest share with about 65% of the total production. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon de Bourgogne, and Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne are the most popular grape varietals in the region.

The Red Wines of Loire Valley

Loire Valley reds are very distinct in terms of their style. Light and lean, lively and fruity, easy-drinking and food-friendly, they are some of the best everyday wines on the market. Some of the best examples of this style are made from Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Malbec.