2023 Domaine Delaunay "Le Val Fleuri" Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie

All Melon de Bourgogne that spent 6 months in its lees in glass-coated concrete tanks, the 2023 Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Le Val-Fleuri has a light gold hue as well as clean, crisp aromatics of subtle lemon, dried herbs, apple blossom, and a kiss of chalky minerality. It's a medium-bodied, lively, balanced white that has a lively spine of acidity, good fruit, and a solid finish. It's impeccably made and undeniably delicious. I'd gladly drink a bottle any time over the coming couple of years.

Fans of Albarino, Gruner Veltliner, unoaked Chardonnays - you should be looking towards Muscadet. The wines of this region are undergoing a renaissance both in quality but also in visibility. They are mineral driven, have lovely acidity but are not overly acidic and have a panoply of delicious apple, melon and stone fruit notes. The grape is Melon and as a rule it is a pretty neutral grape (kind of like Albarino and Chardonnay...shhh, dont' tell them). It's what you do with it that makes the difference! Aged on the lees in tank, this lees stirring (or battonage) contributes to the mineral notes, salinity and complexity that develops. Did I also mention that this region is horribly underpriced for the quality? (shhh, again, don't tell them...) The Delaunay is all estate fruit, organic farming, and just plain delicious with its fresh cut melon nose, Golden delicious apple palate and those wisps on wet stone and a light sea breeze quality. Absolutely awesome as an aperitif and of course amazing with a plate of oysters or shellfish! Sante!