Terre de Pierre 2023, Muscadet Luneau-Papin | Loire

Domaine Luneau-Papin 's cuvée Terre de Pierre is one of the most distinctive vintages of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine. Planted on the La Butte de la Roche parcel, the Melon de Bourgogne vines planted in 1974 draw their strength from the particularly draining magmatic soils rich in serpentinite and peridotite. This particular terroir gives the wine a singular tension and verticality, hence its affectionate nickname of "goûte caillou" given by the winemakers. Domaine Luneau Papin has converted all of its 40 hectares to organic and biodynamic viticulture : the soils are tended with natural preparations, and the grapes are harvested by hand, with strict sorting by plot. In the cellar, winemaking is carried out with indigenous yeasts, and the 18-month ageing period is carried out in underground concrete vats. This cuvée reveals the essence of its stony terroir, with beautiful balance and persistence.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Domaine Luneau-Papin 's cuvée Terre de Pierre is without doubt one of the most mineral expressions of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine. Capable not only of immediate freshness, it will develop great mineral complexity after a long, fine ageing period of some fifteen years. Its beautiful balance embodies the intimate bond between vine and soil that the Luneau Papin wine estate cultivates, with the mineral tension that makes it so vibrant.

The nose reveals very springtime notes of white flowers, accompanied by fruity scents evoking ripe pear, green apple and a touch of chopped citrus. Aeration gradually reveals a stony, mineral framework that brings great depth to the whole.

The palate is full-bodied, immediately tautened by a perfectly balanced acid framework. White fruits and citrus fruits express themselves energetically, supported by an iodized, salivating salinity that prolongs the sensation of freshness. The finish continues with remarkable freshness and umami persistence, where the complexity of ageing on lees reveals all the mineral identity of this Terre de Pierre, making this cuvée one of the greatest successes of Domaine Luneau Papin.