MCF Rare Wine
Some of Our Favorite Muscadet from Gadais
Pierre-Henri Gadais of Domaine Gadais in Saint-Fiaccre was here at the shop last week.
His family’s Muscadet are some of our favorite, old school, classically-styled Melon on the market.
Pierre-Henri isn’t one of the wine industry’s outsized personalities, and, like him, the wines aren’t animated, but they have plenty to say.
Here we have three highly delicious expressions of Muscadet, that are also quite different from each other...
...I mean, yes, of course that's the point of making multiple wines, but not everyone does it this well, and with such value.
The first one is the Muscadet Sevre et Maine Domaine de la Tourmaline 2023, so named because that was the name of the original estate of the family, and this fruit comes from the 50 or so original plots. This is just ultra-classic, linear, mineral, energetic orthogneiss-soiled Muscadet that way over-delivers at the price point. It’s no wonder why it’s one of our sub-$20 standards here. You can let it sit for 2-3 years, as well, if you’re into those more developed flavors and textures. Plus, as I think I always point out, we love the old-school label.
Then we have the 'Plantation 1947' Monnières Saint Fiacre 2020, which, from Muscadet's highest and most famous site, Gras Moutons, is probably my favorite of the bunch. This is the measured, nuanced, high-minded, stoic of the lineup, that's brimming with subtly firm mineral character and a sternly briny/savory acidity that drives the whole thing forward. The last vintage of this beauty we had was the 2016, which we happily sold over the course of a couple of years, as it was an absolutely stunning value that perfectly showcased how wonderfully this wine is built to age. The 2020 is another fabulous drink that will happily improve in your cellar over the next 5-10 years.
Finally, for those of you who want a richer, broader, more 'Burgundian' expression of Melon, we have the Les Perrières Monopole 2022, which hails from a South-facing slope in Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine. Both the long fermentation and ageing take place in large, used barrels, the purpose of which is not to impart a 'woody' flavor, but rather to impart texture and, more importantly, to allow the wine a more oxidative environment to mature in. Combine that with the extended lees contact, and you have a much more substantial, beautifully nutty/creamy element that perfectly compliments the racy, stony heart of this wine. Melon meets Meursault, in a way.
I've been pitching a lot of seriously priced wine lately, so it's great to see some old friends at old-friend-type pricing...and just in time for Spring...
DOMAINE GADAIS
Domaine de la Tourmaline (Gadais) Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine 2023
Muscadet Les Perrières Monopole 2022
Muscadet Monnières-Saint-Fiacre Plantation 1947 2020
You may also order by replying to this message or calling 212.255.8870.
Matt Franco
MCF Rare Wine, Ltd
249 West 13th Street NYC 10011
212.255.8870
Looking for a wine you loved from a past newsletter or a favorite you can't find anywhere? Email Raphael at raphael@mcf-rarewine.com, and we'll do our best to find it for you!
