Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin 2010 Excelsior

Most people that are ‘in to’ wine can talk fairly intelligently about 5 or 6 grapes and perhaps twice that many wine regions. Wine ‘professionals’ (by this I mean the servers and bartenders that know a little bit about their restaurants’ wine list) generally have twice that much knowledge; they know a bit about a dozen grapes and maybe up to 2 dozen regions. And you know, that’s fine. This isn’t a contest. 

But here’s the thing…that level of knowledge leaves out literally tens of thousands of wines. And not just obscure, regional, tiny production wines either. Massive wine areas, huge amounts of wine, thousands of stories are just…unknown.

Which brings me to my favorite wine this week. This wine is from the largest single AOC in France. Its from a area that’s been making and exporting wines since about the 5th century. There is more of this wine produced annually than any other in the region.

Any guesses? No?

That’s my point…when we put on our wine ‘blinders’, when we decide that our small amount of learning and our few trips to Napa have got us pretty conversant about wine, we leave behind a lot of wine.

Ok, enough of that…this wine is from the Loire Valley, specifically from Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine. The grape grown there (the only allowed grape) is Melon de Bourgogne, which is planted very nearly no where else in the world. (There is a tiny bit that I know of in California, but thats about all)

Most people think of wines from Muscadet as light, crisp, unpretentious and unflattering wines that are meant to be consumed young and pair marvelously well with oysters. Most people would be mostly right. But, most ain’t all. More and more growers and winemakers over the last half century are making distinct and distinguished age worthy wines from here. Who knew?

Pierre-Marie Luneau heads this 45-hectare estate in Le Landreau, in the heart of Muscadet country, where small hamlets dot a landscape of vineyards on low hills. Their estate has been in existence since the early 18th century. After taking over from his father Pierre in 2011, Pierre-Marie became the ninth generation to make wine from the estate.

From 80 year vines, this wine spends 36 months in tank on its lees, with constant stirring, and then an additional 24 month in bottle before release. It has no contact with oak, leaving behind flavors of the schisteous terroir and emphasises the full range of wine’s aroma. Its rich, full, bold and just crazy delicious. If you are the least bit wine curious, you must really try this wine.

Regular price $36.99

Sale price $29.99