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Famille Lieubeau

Granite rock was used for centuries to build the massive fortresses that dot the landscape of Muscadet. Its density and structure were […]

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Famille Lieubeau

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, it is unclear why anyone would think that this was the place to plant hectares and hectares of vines. That’s what riverbeds are for, right?

Well, the Romans might have gotten a few things wrong in France (see the 1st century BC through the 5th century AD for reference), but they did get something right: they planted a ton of grapevines on this lunar rock of a landscape. Today, this area is called Muscadet and is home to over 8,000 hectares of vines of Melon de Bourgogne.

Famille Lieubeau farms over 40 hectares of vines and produces 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.

The Lieubeau family takes great care to vinify the wines according to exposition, the density of the bedrock, and harvest date. Farming for their Folle Blanche, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon is certified and all of their Melon is now certified organic by Agriculture Biologique. They keep yields as low as possible to produce wines that express the varietal character and terroir – not just acid. These are delicious, vibrant wines that are easily among the best values in the portfolio.

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“I bet that each advanced sommelier would love these wines, since there is nothing better with Atlantic or Pacific fish and seafood, at least not at these prices.”

– Stephan Reinhardt
Loire, France
  • Location
    Loire, France
  • Primary Appellation
    Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine
  • Proprietor
    Famille Lieubeau
  • Winemaker
    Vincent Lieubeau
  • Size / Elevation
    40 hectares / 40-50 meters
  • Age of Vines
    12–70 years
  • Farming
    Certified organic
  • Varieties
    Melon de Bourgogne, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Folle Blanche
  • Cellar
    Fermentation and aging on the fine lees in tank
  • Visit Website

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