Chateau de la Chesnaie, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, 2020

Produced by Chereau Carre, Chateau de Chasseloir has 25 hectares of Melon de Bourgogne vines that are about 50 years old – five of these hectares are over 100 years old: these are the oldest vines in Muscadet. They produce fewer grapes than younger stock, but with much more concentrated flavor. Harvested exclusively by hand to avoid breaking the fragile plants. They use these grapes to make a special cuvee that they age for a number of years on the estate. The vines are planted on the south-facing hillsides of the River Maine, which has excellent drainage and a southern exposure conducive to perfect ripening of the grapes. The soil is made of schist, a flat grey stone of the slate family, commonly found in the region. These stones provide excellent drainage and allow water to infiltrate the earth. The vine roots dig deep down to find the water and minerals they need.