PRODUCER: Domaine des Cognettes
REGION: Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France
WINEMAKERS: Vincent & Stephane Perraud
Muscadet wines have long been regarded as an antiquated style, falling out with the wider international markets in decades past. However, a rebirth in appreciation for lighter styles of wine has spawned a new generation of vignerons dedicated to renewing enthusiasm for Melon de Bourgogne. The Perraud family of Domaine des Cognettes – who have been farming Muscadet for nine generations – are helping lead this revolution.
WINERY HISTORY
The Perraud family has been making Muscadet for centuries, with ninth-generation brothers Vincent and Stéphane taking over the estate in 1990. Their 30 hectares are in and around the village of Clisson, one of the area’s designated ‘crus’ and considered by many to be the finest terroir for growing Melon de Bourgogne in the world. Planted on soils of sand, pebbles, and clay overtop granite rock, the vines vary in age from thirteen to sixty-one years old.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
Farming is certified organic, and the brothers buck the trends of the region in harvesting by hand. They are fierce stewards of the environment in this region near the Atlantic Coast. Their goal is to provide their vines the best possible conditions in an all-around flourishing environment, preserving the authenticity of their wines while promoting the health of the Loire. Constantly adapting to the vacillating nature of the nearby ocean, the brothers are true masters of their vineyards.
While they sit closer to the conventional end of the natural winemaking scene, they go lengths to minimize interventions and SO2 usage. Fermentation is carried out by natural yeasts, and the must is allowed to settle without manipulation. Once fermentation is complete, the wine ages sur lies in stainless steel until the following spring. A gorgeous pale yellow with flecks of green, the Clisson exudes freshness and lightness with tastes of citrus and white fruit. Their wines display a noticeable salinity reminiscent of the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
IN THE PRESS:
Acclaim from Past Vintages:
94/100 - Ripe and lively, this Muscadet is showing delicious pear slices and green melon with a complimentary leesy note that rounds out the texture and gives it a refined finish. - Simon Woolf, Decanter
93/100 - Introduce a white-Burgundy lover to Muscadet with this bottle. Gold in color, the wine oozes complexity, with aromas of white peach, vanilla and clove baking spice, almond and honeysuckle. Mid-palate concentration echoing the nose combines with alluring subtlety and restraint on the lingering finish. - Reggie Solomon, Wine Enthusiast
