Chéreau Carré "Château l'Oiselinière de la Ramée" Muscadet '22

Muscadet may be France’s last great white wine value. 

Muscadet is a white-wine region in the western Loire Valley, close to the Atlantic coast, and is devoted almost entirely to Melon de Bourgogne, a grape brought from Burgundy in the 17th century. The area is divided into three main appellations — Muscadet, Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, and Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire — with Sèvre-et-Maine considered the most important due to its concentration of high-quality vineyards. Soils here are predominantly granite, gneiss, schist, and volcanic rock, which contribute to the wines’ pronounced mineral profile. The region is well known for its sur-lie aging tradition, in which wines remain on their fine lees until spring, adding slight texture and protecting freshness.

We have long adored the wines of the Chéreau-Carré family. Their 10-hectare vineyard at Château l’Oiselinière is exceptionally positioned at the the confluence of the Sèvre and Maine rivers.

It is from this estate that third generation winemaker, Louise Chéreau produces two white wines. The majority of those hectares are devoted to this wine, Château l'Oiselinière de la Ramée.” Produced entirely from Melon de Bourgogne, vines that were planted at various stages from 1940 through1980 on the local orthogneiss soil. 

Vinification is straightforward. The grapes are fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured on the lees for six months in underground concrete vats before further ageing in bottle. 

The 2022 is a fantastic vintage for this wine. Showcasing aromas of lemon peel and white flowers, the palate is lean, with citrus, mineral and fine herb notes. Delicious on its own, it natural pairs with oysters, grilled white fish, or simply alongside some goat cheese.