6+ bottles: $32.99 (code: 6saves2)

• Variety: Melon de Bourgogne
• Vine Age: Planted in 1974
• Terroir: From the village of Vallet, on a bedrock of micaschist and gneiss.
• Viticulture: Certified organic (Ecocert, 2013), biodynamic (Demeter & Biodyvin, 2019).
• Vinification: Pressed with whole clusters, ambient yeast fermentation, aged for 10-12 months in terracotta amphoras and underground glass-lined tank, no racking during aging, no fining or filtration, SO2 added at bottling.

The ‘Vera Cruz’ cuvée from Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin is a textural, mineral-driven white wine that highlights the depth and ageability possible from Melon de Bourgogne when sourced from select parcels and handled with patience. Grown on mica-schist soils in a single vineyard near Le Landreau, this wine is a complex and expressive Muscadet, showing both elegance and intensity.

Appearance:
Pale gold with a silvery sheen—youthful, bright, and reflective of its freshness.

Nose:
Subtle and refined on the nose, with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, followed by nuanced notes of wet stone, sea air, and a delicate touch of leesy brioche. A faint herbal edge—fennel and dried thyme—adds complexity.

Palate:
Dry, focused, and textural. The palate balances brisk acidity with a creamy, lees-derived richness, offering flavors of citrus peel, tart pear, and a stony, mineral core. There’s an almost Chablis-like structure here, with a salty lift and a granite-like grip that defines the mid-palate. Clean but with depth.

Finish:
Long and precise, with lingering citrus, crushed rock, and a hint of almond skin. The finish is mouthwatering and saline, drawing you back in.

Winemaking & Style:
Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged on the lees for an extended period, the Vera Cruz cuvée showcases the estate’s more serious, age-worthy style. It’s organically farmed and made with minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to speak clearly.

Food Pairing:
A dream with oysters, crudo, or grilled white fish, but also refined enough to stand next to lobster, creamy seafood pastas, or even roast chicken with lemon and herbs