2023 Jo Landron Muscadet Sèvre et Maine La Louvetrie, Loire Valley

This is a cuvée for the domaine’s young vines, vinified in subterranean cuve as is the norm, and given one year on the lees. Aromatically it feels smoky but restrained, with a little crushed mineral note. There follows a charming and easy-going palate, supple but fresh, with notes of lime zest and thyme. A sappy finish completes the picture.

Chris Kissack, The Wine Doctor

Long before Muscadet became a favourite of sommeliers and seafood lovers around the world, Jo Landron was championing the potential of the region's finest vineyard sites. Founded in 1945 and now led by Jo Landron and his family, Domaine Landron is regarded as one of the Loire Valley's benchmark producers. A pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture in Muscadet, Landron has spent decades proving that Melon de Bourgogne can produce wines of remarkable character, depth and longevity when grown on exceptional terroir.

La Louvetrie is the estate's flagship vineyard, planted on ancient gneiss soils in the heart of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine. The 2023 vintage highlights the purity and precision that have made this cuvée a modern classic. Fermented naturally and aged on its lees, the wine gains texture and complexity while retaining the freshness and mineral drive that define great Muscadet.

Pale straw with green reflections, the bouquet is wonderfully expressive, offering aromas of lemon zest, green apple and white peach alongside subtle notes of sea spray, wet stone and white flowers. As it opens, hints of fennel, oyster shell and fresh bread dough emerge, adding further complexity. The palate is crisp and energetic, combining bright citrus and orchard fruit flavours with a chalky mineral backbone. Lees ageing contributes a gentle creaminess, balanced by vibrant acidity and a saline edge that carries through to a long, mouthwatering finish.

Naturally, oysters are a perfect match, but this wine is equally at home alongside grilled prawns, steamed mussels with garlic and herbs, sashimi, crab linguine or a zucchini and ricotta tart. Its freshness makes it irresistible in youth, though quality examples of La Louvetrie can develop beautifully for five to eight years, gaining additional texture and complexity.