Hautes Noelles Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu 2011

This telltale Sur Lie Muscadet proves Jean-Pierre Guédon is a fine winegrower, Côtes de Grandlieu is a superlative sub-appellation for the variety, and that Domaine Les Hautes Noëlles does them both very proud indeed. From the granitic and schistose soils of Lac Grandlieu’s southwestern shore, this Muscadet is marked by this gifted microclimate yielding a fragrant Muscadet that is floral and redolent of apple orchards in that both fruit and blossom charm the nose. Thanks to aging sur lie [on its lees] this has a tangy fullness to its body in a way that brings out the fruit and contrasts a pleasantly citric, mineral structure –leaving the palate trembling for les coquillages or other fruits de mer. An outstanding Muscadet from the best parcel the Loire can muster. Only 12% alcohol, this is a foodies wine that can work wonders at the table.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, April 2013

Food Pairings

Oysters, mussels, clams anyway but particularly raw. Salads, shrimp and seafood.