Family estate for 5 generations

Location : Monnières, south east of Nantes, with extensions to Gorges, Maisdon-sur-Sèvre and Mouzillon

Area : 25 hectares

Use of the vineyard : organic certified (AB) 2010 and biodynamic certified (DEMETER) 2016

Profile of the winegrower

In the heart of the appellation Muscadet Sevre et Maine, at le Fay d’Homme near Monnières, the Caillé family have been winegrowers for 5 generations. Vincent Caillé, who took over the family vineyard in 1986, is part of a new generation of winegrowers who decided to pursue a policy of uncompromising quality. With the stubbornness of passion, he produces Muscadet Sevre et Maine of high expression. On different type of soils (gneiss, gabbro and orthogneiss), he works the land with tillage or natural grass. Grown “organically” since 1996, the vines blossom on living soils that have recovered their wild tulips, a protected species affected for a long time by chemical treatments in the region. Vincent Caillé is one of the few winegrowers from Nantes who produce “organic” Muscadet, a true priesthood due to the oceanic climate and the propensity of Melon to welcome mildew. In the cellar, he vinifies his wines in the traditional way with indigenous yeast and long aging on lees. His wines, with angelic prices, are of remarkable density and sensitivity that restore the image of a resurgent appellation. As he likes saying, Vincent Caillé plays his part, like the small hummingbird in the amerindian legend. This bird fly, friend of the flowers, was the only one to busy itself in front of the huge forest fire. All the animals terrified and appalled were watching the disaster helplessly. And only the small hummingbird was busy, fetching a few drops of water in its beak to throw onto the fire. After a while, the armadillo, annoyed by his trivial actions , told him “Hummingbird ! Are you crazy? Do you think you are going to put out the fire with these drops of water?” “I know”, said the hummingbird, “but I’m playing my part” A nice little story for the committed winegrower who is in constant search of progress. A timeless journey.

Grape variety: Melon de Bourgogne

Average age of vineyards: 35 years old

Origin: Monnières

Terroir: Metamorphic rocks, gneiss type

Harvests: mid-September

Analysis: alcohol: 12% vol;

Residual sugar 0.7 gr/L;

Total acidity: 3,73 gr/L

Vinification: After a light settling overnight, fermentation of 19 days with indigenous yeasts. Aging on fermentation lees until bottling during the spring.

Tasting: Beautiful yellow-green color. Young and fruity Muscadet which develops aromas of citrus fruit, well-structured, good minerality.

Pairings: The Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie will pair well with seafood as well as fresh water fish and sea fish. It can also be poured for aperitif.

Service: Serve fresh, but not too cold (around 9°C).

Wine Enthusiast – 90 points

Produced from biodynamically grown grapes, this wine offers a ripe character. Intense apple and pear flavors contrast with the crisper mineral texture. It is a full-bodied wine, its freshness filled out by generous fruitiness. Drink now.