Vignoble Drouard Muscadet Fief De l'Ancruere

Vignoble Drouard has a history dating back over 100 years. In 1870, the Drouard family planted new vines in small holdings near the Noe' brook, shortly after the phylloxera epidemic devastated the vineyards of France. Over the following years, to the present day, the Domaine has grown and modernised, now comprising 60 hectares and modern winemaking facilities, to produce the finest possible wines. Muscadet is having a resurgence thankfully, spurred on by cracking examples such as this one.

Muscadet is something of a forgotten area these days, but at its best this Atlantic-influenced Loire region can make truly sublime whites that are both complex and affordable. This example from the Drouard brothers was fermented in chestnut wood – not something you find much in France or elsewhere these days – and is refreshing, textured and layered, with notes of pear and citrus, leesy weight, a hint of wood spice and a dry, tapering, almost salty finish. As good as many Chablis Premiers Crus, this is a Melon de Bourgogne that tastes like a classy white Burgundy.

Melon De Bourgogne,

This vintage is grown on the 6 ha Fief de L'Ancruère facing south-east. The vines are an average of 35 years old grown on sandy loam soil, disintegrating siliceous rock with flint slabs.

This wine is aged in chestnut barrels which allows a micro oxygenation of the wine and a release of chestnut tannins.

Light yellow with amber yellow nuances, flattering and mineral nose, slightly toasted notes, a light attack and above all a great length in the mouth on white fruits.

This wine will go perfectly with your aperitifs, verrines of gray shrimps, monkfish skewers, grilled fish, tartiflette, pan-fried foie gras, creamy cheese. Another fantastic pairing for this wine is pork chops served with a creamy mushroom and mustard sauce, don't be light on the dill.