It can be argued that Muscadet, in France’s Loire Valley, contains the most diverse array of geological soil types and terroirs than any other appellation in France. Perhaps the most famous of these soils is the kitchen-counter-gorgeous granite of Clisson. The village of Clisson produces classic Muscadet Sèvre et Maine as well as Cru Clisson that is aged for over 20 months sur lie, showing the two extremes of the Melon de Bourgogne grape. Because Melon de Bourgogne generally takes a back seat to any minerality that wants to seep into the vines and into the grapes, it is seen as the ideal vehicle for mineral-expressive wines in France.
So what happens if we take this same incredibly rich soil type and introduce Chardonnay, a grape that has a stronger personality than Melon? The answer to that question is the Famille Lieubeau Chardonnay. This is hand-harvested, low yield Chardonnay that grows on the famous granite of Clisson. In this parcel, there is virtually no dirt present, just meters and meters of crushed rock. The boys at DFamille Lieubeau prefer minimal manipulation and like to let the wine do the talking. This is Muscadet’s answer to village Burgundy at a third the price.
