Bretaudeau is known for making wine from a wild array of varietals (and aging vessels) rarely seen in this part of the Loire Valley. But, there’s no doubt that his Melon is also among the most terroir-expressive benchmarks of the region; well outpacing the area’s tasty-but-simple oyster pairings, he makes Muscadet with incredible breadth.
We have long admired the passion, curiosity and experimentation happening chez Jérôme Bretaudeau, a small estate based in Gétigné in the Muscadet region. From his meticulous farming in the vineyards - where classic Melon de Bourgogne vines grow alongside Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir and Merlot to his work in the cellar - a kaleidoscope of stainless steel vats, casks, barrels, concrete eggs and amphora that implies someone constantly pushing the limits of what’s possible in this region. His range of wines are a fascinating interpretation of the gabbro, granite and gneiss terroirs, offering just the right balance between ripe fruit and mineral expression.