This domaine, 18 kilometres south of Nantes (with its beautiful waterways and giant mechanical elephant), is owned and meticulously run by Sébastien Branger. The domaine’s 27 hectares stretch across numerous terroirs, but this cuvée hails from younger vines (15 to 35 years old) which ripen early, on a gneiss-rich slope overlooking the river Sèvre. It’s hand harvested and aged for seven months on its lees. Slightly spritzy in the glass, as any good young Muscadet should be, with classic citrus aromas. The palate is feather-weight, with a modest 12 percent alcohol and electrifying acidity. This is a maritime wine, in the vein of a Txakoli or Vinho Verde, and an ideal accompaniment to all seafood, notably oysters or moules marinières.
 

Sunny and seductive, with aromas of pear, lychee and ripe citrus. The full, rich palate flirts with excess, but only flirts – there’s racy acidity throughout. Try this with oriental dishes or a Caribbean curry.