The Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC in the Pays Nantais region of Loire Valley is home to some seriously refreshing, light-bodied, lip-puckering whites made exclusively from the Melon (a.k.a. Melon de Bourgogne, Muscadet) grape variety.
Within Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC are ten smaller, delimited “Cru Communaux” known for making more textured and complex Melon wines as a result of mandatory, extended aging on the lees (sur lie), lower yields, among other things.
Tonight, while studying the Loire Valley chapter for our upcoming exam, we decided to open a wine from one of these “Cru Communaux,” more specifically, “Gorges,” to enhance our learning!
It’s the Domaine Michel Brégeon Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC “Gorges” 2018.
Immediately, we see a slightly deeper (“medium” intensity) lemon hue, suggesting a delicate oxygen exchange through the winemaking and/or aging process. As a wine from “Gorges” we know it was legally required to undergo 24+ months aging on the lees, lending richness.
The aromas and flavors are medium in intensity with precise notes of green apple, pear, lemon, white peach, wet slate, oyster shell, sea breeze, cheese rind, and yogurt.
This wine is bone dry with high acidity, a medium body, medium alcohol (12% ABV), and an elegant finish. The acidity lends freshness and a fine balance to the textured mouthfeel.
Cheers to the many expressions of Melon and to experiential learning! — a year ago
Nice bubbles. Hint of sweet. Could be convinced it is related to cider with the apple nose. Maybe apple tart? — 4 months ago
Focused acidity, pure and concise, fragrant and mineral. Nothing quite like Savoie Roussane. — 2 years ago
Full bodied, rich, more fruit on front than expected. Very nice wine. Big long finish that stuck with me. — 2 years ago
After weeks of trying to find a good wine without oak in the Netherlands, this is quite attractive. Gentle aroma of pear, cinnamon, spicy, nuts, and honey. Fresh acids. Taste of tart apple, minerals, and lime. Quite a long finish with a wee bit of sweetness. Honest wine. — 4 years ago
Bright with light fruits and citrus — 2 years ago
Fantastic with Compte Cheese!!! Light oxidized nutty round mouthful of Jura — 3 years ago
Chip Habegger
Lots of dark fruit—dark cherry, blackberry, plum. Dense. Slightly perfumed. Tannic. Easy to enjoy. — 3 months ago