Wines Muscadet Sèvre et Maine La Briaudière - Vieilles Vignes - 2024

Viniou Reviews

La Briaudière’s 2024 Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine “Cuvée Vieilles Vignes” is a white wine made exclusively from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, the hallmark variety of this appellation. Produced from old vines – a heritage reflected in “Vieilles Vignes” – this vintage encapsulates both concentration and finesse. The soils of the region are typically composed of mica schist, gneiss and granite, offering excellent drainage and imparting marked minerality to the wine. For this cuvée, careful vinification on the lees (“sur lie”) is often practised, adding extra roundness, subtle yeasty notes and a creamier mouthfeel while enhancing the natural freshness and delicate aromas of the wine.

The Loire Valley’s Nantais region, stretching along the coastal part of the Loire near Nantes, is shaped by an oceanic climate: cool, humid and influenced by Atlantic breezes. The relatively mild winters and temperate summers make for a long and gradual grape maturation, preserving acidity and aromatics. This terroir, layered with historical significance as one of France’s most ancient winemaking districts, is renowned for its production of Muscadet. The deep-rooted tradition lends itself precisely to zestful, food-friendly white wines with subtle yet expressive bouquets.

A wine like this Muscadet “Vieilles Vignes” is a quintessential match for oysters, mussels, and all manner of shellfish, owing to its bracing acidity and saline backbone. It will also complement white fish, either grilled or steamed, perhaps with a hint of citrus or fresh herbs. Good pairings extend to classic dishes of the region such as moules marinières or a Loire goat's cheese like Crottin de Chavignol. For something slightly richer, try it with a seafood risotto or even sushi, as the clean finish refreshes the palate.

For the best experience, serve this wine chilled but not ice-cold, ideally between 8°C and 10°C. It is recommended to open the bottle just prior to serving to preserve its freshness and vibrant aromatics. A tulip-shaped white wine glass will help direct the subtle esters and bring out those delicate mineral and citrus notes.