Pueri Solis 2023 Luneau-Papin | Loire

Domaine Luneau-Papin 's Pueri Solis cuvée is a rare find. On a historic plot in the Luneau Papin family, planted with massal selection in 1936, the vines plunge deep into the schist and micaschist soils. This parcel-by-parcel selection gives the wine a particular depth, which the estate works on outside the appellation to deliver an assertive Vin de France, which explores the full potential of Melon de Bourgogne on Muscadet terroirs. Don't be fooled by its generic appellation, this wine receives at least as much care as the other cuvées from Domaine Luneau Papin : organic and biodynamic viticulture, careful hand harvesting, spontaneous winemaking using indigenous yeasts, and over a year's ageing in glass-lined, underground concrete vats. This long maturation allows Pueri Solis to develop rich aromas and an incomparable silky texture.

Philippe Mischler sommelier at Mundovin: Pueri Solis from Domaine Luneau-Papin impresses with its depth and energy. This "Child of the Sun" is already fascinating, and will make the most of its remarkable ageing potential to reveal all its nuances. Far from the reductive image of Vin de France, Domaine Luneau Papin gives Melon de Bourgogne a singular, bewitching dimension, capable of rivaling great whites far beyond its region.

The complex, evolving nose readily delivers aromas of ripe citrus, juicy exotic fruit and spicy notes reminiscent of curry. Scents of candied citrus and sun-drenched orchard fruit hint at a complexity that just needs time to blossom.

The ample, generous palate reveals a silky body, tautened by energetic acidity that enhances the power of the aromas tenfold. Quince, juicy pear and a touch of honey and sweet spices line the palate with restrained richness. In the background, the mineral and saline framework of the schist terroir stretches out with rare elegance, carried by an aromatic intensity that continues to evolve as the tasting progresses. The finish is an apotheosis of balancing freshness, whose remarkable length on the palate leaves a lasting impression.