Château de la Grange-Barbastre Muscadet sur Lie

Built in the 15th century and once home to lords and aristocrats, Château de la Grange-Barbastre is a piece of Loire Valley history. Situated south-east of Nantes on the Atlantic coast, it has been tenderly guarded by the de Goulaine family since 1777, who today craft wines enduring as its stone walls.

People usually don’t expect to find character and precision in Muscadet. Made from Melon de Bourgogne (you can call her Melon B), this grape was once known only for cheap, innocuous wines—until a quiet revolution began. Facing competition from New World classics, a handful of domaines fought back with organic farming, lower yields, and deep soil studies. This wine is the glorious result.

Grown on south-east facing slopes just inland from the Atlantic coast, these 40-year-old vines dig into mineral-rich soils. Aged for almost a year on its fine lees, the wine develops a creamy texture and stunning depth without losing its signature salinity and lift.

Gardenia petals, wet rocks, freshly grated ginger, zested Meyer lemon skin. The palate is round and racy—think sliced water pears and salty sea breeze carried on a current of bright, mouth-watering acidity.

Perfect with oysters, moules-frites, ceviche, or simply the satisfaction of drinking something wildly underrated.