2020 Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie, Domaine de la Chauvinière

Jérémie Huchet took over at the family estate in 2001, and has changed it beyond recognition. An up-and-coming producer in the region, he has gradually been increasing the size of the vineyard holdings, which now cover 64 hectares, a third of which is certified organic. Jérémie`s carefully considered program of investment both in the vineyards and the winery is clearly bearing its fruits.

Each of the estate`s wines has its own history and personality. The vines for the Domaine de la Chauvinière Muscadet cuvée we regularly ship are planted on the edge of Chateau-Thébaud, with the Domaine buildings being perched on the edge of the cliff above the Maine river. These vines are run non-organically, but nonetheless are managed according to the principles of sustainable viticulture, with yields being held low by a minimal use of fertiliser and crop thinning when and where necessary. Stainless steel and new underground vats are used for fermentation, with 30% of the juice frequently undergoing a short skin contact to add depth and breath to the finished wine.