Mid-Winter Muscadet - Parentière is Back, with Landron and Pépière!
1/12/26 -
Every day is Muscadet time at my house, despite the winter weather, particularly when the amazing values from Domaine de la Parentière are back in stock! This shipment contains a refill on the amazing 2018 Quatre Vents "Cuvee Excellence" along with the new and beautiful 2023 vintage of the Muscadet "Vieilles Vignes" and the "Fraicheur Iodée de l'Atlantique!" And, a special treat for all you viticulture students out there, the Vin de France "Le 54 l'Original," a vibrant light-bodied red made with Plantet, aka Seibel 54-55, a hybrid developed in the 19th century (?) resistant to mildew.
Two great Muscadets from Jo Landron are in the house: The last two cases of the mineral marvel 2021 Les Houx, and the profound and age-worthy 2020 "Fief du Breil."
Jocelyn and Jo Landron
From Domaine de la Pépière we offer the last 2 cases of the 2024 Briords Vieilles Vignes, along with the gorgeous 2022 Cru Monnières-Saint Fiacre, the wonderful 2023 "Les Gras Moutons" and the last of the vibrant 2024 Pépie!
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Domaine de la Parentière has been organic for three generations, finally receiving organic certification in 1984. Michel Menager and his son Guilhaume are proud of their work - organic in the vineyard, harvesting by hand and fermentations with wild yeasts, and never chaptalizing. They have 5 hectares of old vines in Vallet on "gabbro" terroir - a unique basalt-type stone that gives a distinctive and unique flavor to the wines (as found in Gorges at Domaine Bregeon). Their wines are always low in alcohol, ranging from 10 to 12.5% and possess a wonderful purity and bright refreshing acidity.
Their Gros Plant, called "Fraicheur Iodée de Loire," is light and lovely at 10% alcohol - it's a refreshing quaffer and a great accompaniment to shellfish and seafood or as an aperitif.
The Muscadet Sevre et Maine Vieilles Vignes (from vines averaging 50 years of age) has subtle white fruit and herbal aromas with hints of melon and stone typical of Muscadet on Gabbro. Fairly light at 11.5%, with refreshing saline minerals, it deepens nicely over a few days open - it's a serious Muscadet and a fabulous value.
"Les 4 Vents - Cuvée Excellence" named after a parcel of old vines, is a beautiful demonstration of their great farming and the unique terroir. Made from 100% Melon de Bourgogne, this wine was aged 66 months on the lees and an additional 6 months in bottle. The result is a stunning wine with balanced acidity, luxurious mouthfeel and enough structure for additional aging.
Le 54 l'Original, is supple and delightful, and low in tannins, it can be enjoyed with a slight chill or at room temp. There is a bit of earthiness on the nose up front but very pure, juicy fruit and great acidity that makes it a versatile pairing option.
-David Lillie
