Domaine Raphaël Luneau - "Brin d’R" Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine 2023

The Luneau family have been making wine since 1680, passing down their estate from father to son for nine generations. They are in the town of Le Landreau, southeast of Nantes, where they produce Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine sur Lie and Gros Plant sur Lie. Raphaël has overseen the 30 hectares of vines since 2010, following his father Rémy. The estate’s name refers to the initials of both the father and the son, who worked together during almost twenty years.

Luneau’s Brin d’R Muscadet — 100% Melon de Bourgogne — pours a pale yellow tinged with light green. Aromas of Granny Smith apple, pear and honeydew intertwine with white flowers and wet stone. The palate displays a delicious combination of tropical and tree fruits balanced by a zippy, yet delicate, acidity and a wonderful saline minerality. The finish is crisp and refreshing. A delightful companion to seafood… Oysters are the obvious pairing, though this Muscadet will pair well with steamed clams with wine, butter and parsley or Dungeness crab salad.