Marc Ollivier Clos des Briords Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie (75cl, 12%)

This is a single-vineyard white from Marc Ollivier, made under the Domaine de la Pépière label in Maisdon-sur-Sèvre, in the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation of the Loire Valley. It is made from Melon de Bourgogne. The grapes are picked by hand and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. The wine then rests on its fine lees for at least two years in glass-lined cement tanks. The vines are propagated from the bud wood of existing plants rather than clonal selections. The nose combines citrus, lime and wet stone with lemon flowers, thyme and sea spray. The palate is intense, with citrus acidity, white pear, green apple, grapefruit, anise and white peach, and a persistent salinity. The finish is long and mineral, with lemon zest and verbena.