2015 Domaine du Haut-Planty “Gwin Evan” Au Gre du Vin

Region: Loire Valley < France
Grapes: Melon de Bourgogne
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming; silty and sandy soils with schist subsoil; fermented in concrete then rests on lees for 12-16 months before being bottled with <10ppm SO2; 12% ABV
Winemaker: Michel Couillaud

Located in the heart of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, between Loire river and the Atlantic ocean, Le Haut-Planty was a farm that Michel Couillaud took over from his father and converted into a vineyard. In the early 2000’s, sons Alain and Christian, took over the operations and led the conversion to organic, also bringing with them fresh ideas and a commitment for working naturally. Unlike most lean, linear (and often banal + mass-produced) Muscadet wines, this is certified organic Melon that steeps on its lees for 12-16 months in concrete tank, giving it a deep, golden hue, and a round, creamy texture you don’t typically find in Muscadet. We love the slight effervescence and floral, ripe peach and pear notes that balance the salty minerality – exactly what we want to drink on a boat, or sitting in a café by the sea. Or sitting in SF wishing we were on a boat, or day-drinking at a café by the sea…. Whereas traditional Muscadet is the classic oyster pairing, the Gwin Evan wants fried food, or seafood in general.