Bedouet Vigneron - Clos des Grands Primos Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2021

The Bedouet family history starts with Henri Bedouet, who, in addition to being a cooper, became a sharecropper in the 1920's. His son, Henri, joined him in 1957, eventually purchasing their first vineyard, Clos des Grands Primos, in 1977. Michel joined his father in 1985, and by 1990, he was able to purchase all the vineyards they farm, converting them to organic viticulture. It is Michel's belief that to cultivate the land, you must honor the earth to make it fertile. In respecting the balance of nature, this reverence to the soil is rewarded with healthy, quality grapes. By 2010, Michel had converted the entire estate to organic practice, with 2013 being the first certified vintage. Today, Michel has handed the reins over to his son, Antonin, who becomes the fourth generation of the Bedouet family to lead their estate.

Clos des Grands Primos was the first vineyard purchased by Henri Bedouet, in 1977. The vineyard's soil is composed of granite, schist and gneiss — a combination that lends supreme mineral complexity to this dangerously drinkable white. Made from 100% Melon de Bourgogne grapes, sourced from 25+ year old vines, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in tank on the lees for 12 months. Light lemon in the glass with green highlights, the wine emits subtle aromas of citrus, green apple, honeydew melon and sea spray. On the palate, the Clos des Grands Primos is classic Muscadet: dry, light in body with a zesty and zingy acidity, balanced by a textural softness and moderate alcohol. Flavors of pineapple, lemon and loads of salt-laced minerality fly across the palate with a welcome wave of refreshment. In addition to the classic seafood pairings, this goes beautifully with a wide range of dishes from a raw summer vegetable salad to crispy chicharrones.