This wine is 100% Merlot from the granite soils of Muscadet. As far as we know it’s the only Merlot from the area, and is a stand-out in every way. Flavours of blueberry and cherry layered with fig and chocolate. Smooth tannins and a hint of spices at the finish. This is a wine with full body that still manages to feel light.

• Size: 0.5 ha (1.24 ac)
• Variety: Merlot
• Vine Age: Planted in the early 2000s
• Terroir: Sloped granite with white and pink quartz soil.
• Viticulture: Certified organic (2012), biodynamic (Biodyvin, 2020)
• Vinification: 100% de-stemmed, ambient yeast fermentation with 12 day maceration. Aged 18 months in Burgundian barrels (3-years old). SO2 only added at bottling.

Winemaking
Jerome Bretaudeau only uses natural yeasts, often utilizing extended maceration or co-macerates where more than one grape is involved. He avoids all additives and filtration, but the most creative input comes in the form of ageing vessels. Large and small casks, barrels, steel tanks, concrete eggs and terra cotta amphora are all utilized. Many wines spend time in more than one type and he is even trialing a solera ageing system. The resulting wines are complex and layered, with surprising depth and power.