Muscadet is a quintessential summer white wine, a top choice when it comes to pairing simple fish recipes and shellfish, especially oysters. Often overlooked on the supermarket shelves, and often confused with Muscat, this dry white wine from the Loire Valley is excellent with a variety of seafood dishes. Choosing a bottle of wine can be a stressful task, especially when that wine is meant for someone else. However, Muscadet offers a versatile and refreshing option that is sure to please many palates.
From the Massif Central to Nantes, the Loire Valley is home to freethinking winemakers making elegant drinks – including thrillingly reinvigorated Muscadet. Bretaudeau is renowned as a driving force behind Muscadet's revival thanks to his pioneering work with the once maligned grape. Muscadet hasn't been fashionable since the 1970s and 80s, but it hits a sweet spot with its crisp, clean flavors and food-friendly nature.
A greater number of single-cru bottlings and the arrival of newly designated sub-zones have helped Muscadet elevate its reputation in recent years. This has allowed Muscadet to stand out as a hidden gem in the world of white wines, offering a unique and refreshing alternative to more popular varietals. Affordable tasty Bordeaux from the Médoc is difficult to find these days, so it's about time I mentioned this old reliable. Pencil lead and blackberry notes make this a perfect option for those seeking a quality wine without breaking the bank.