Famille Lieubeau - Muscadet "Bel Abord" 2021 (750ml)
Price: $19.99
| Producer | Famille Lieubeau |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Varietal | Melon de Bourgogne |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 201518 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Famille Lieubeau Description
Granite rock was used for centuries to build the massive fortresses that dot the landscape of Muscadet. Its density and structure were rarely breached by arrow, cannonball, or the good ‘ole medieval siege. Because of its density and the fact that it is everywhere in Muscadet, its unclear why anyone would think that this was the place to plant hectares and hectares of vines. The Romans might have gotten a few things wrong in France, but they did get something right: they planted vines on this lunar rock of a landscape. Today, this area is called Muscadet and is home to over 8,000 hectares of Melon de Bourgogne.
Famille Lieubeau farms over 40 hectares of vines and produces both Muscadet Sèvre et Maine and Vin de Pays from grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Regardless of the varietal, the vines are planted on rock, and in most cases, sheer cliffs of rock through which the roots have to bury for meters for any hydric source. The vines, and the wines, are fed by water that is awash in wet rock. It’s not a big shock that the wines smell and taste more like rock and minerals than fruit or flowers. Combine this with the cold Atlantic breezes and you’ve got an amazing cool climate, high cut, precise bottle of white wine.
Following a trend among the top producers of Muscadet the guys at Fruitière are not only making two outstanding cru Muscadets from Clisson and Château Thébaud, but they also make a single terroir (and single plot) Muscadet from sandy, weathered gneiss (the Bel Abord). This site faces east and is on a gentle slope bordering the river Maine. This terroir expresses itself with a delicate floral aromas and a coiled, salty minerality.
Wine Advocate: 88 Points
The 2021 Bel Abord was made from grapes planted on gneiss soils. It has a pleasant bouquet of pear, citrus, watermelon, white flowers and a hint of smoke. On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied, with lively acids and a crisp finish. It’s delicate yet vibrant, and there’s no reason to wait.
