Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Jean-François Baron

A zesty, palate-tingling white

Situated in Monnières in the heart of Nantes wine country between the Sèvre and Maine rivers, Jean-François and wife Claudine have been at the helm of the family domaine since 1990 and are the 4th generation of Barons to make wine in the locality. They now tend to 15 hectares of vines mostly for their principal bottling of Muscadet ‘Sèvre et Maine sur Lie’. Working sustainably is the key aim of the couple and from 2020, they have been certified as ‘Haute Valeur Environnementale’, a regime which seeks to use as few fertilisers and herbicides as possible, and creates green zones to preserve wildlife habitats and encourage biodiversity. They use a novel system of bio-control to avoid the ravages of insects by releasing predatory insects in the vines to put off would-be crop ravagers.

Back in 1985 Quentin Blake illustrated an eye-catching, bespoke label depicting a Bacchanalian duo making merry, which has adorned every subsequent vintage and has accrued a loyal following.

The Muscadet wine itself has a pale colour, slightly saline ‘sea breeze’ scents and a life-enhancing acidity, having over-wintered on its fine lees before bottling, which imparts a subtle prickle of carbon dioxide.

Colour – White
Producer – Jean-François Baron
Country – France
Region – Loire
Vegan – No
ABV – 12%
Grapes – Melon de Bourgogne
Vintage – 2023
Sustainability – HVE Certified
Female Winemaker – No
Food Pairings – Shellfish, Oysters