Jo Landron, Muscadet Serve-et-Maine Sur Lie (Loire Valley, France) “La Louvetrie” 2014

($13, Martin Scott): Muscadet remains one of the great bargains for white wines because it still has a down-market image despite the work and talents of producers, such as Jo Landron who, along with this wife, owns the Domaine de la Louvetrie.  To be fair, over the years there’s been a lot of innocuous Muscadet on the market, which accounts for its lowly image.  But that has changed, in part because of Landron’s efforts.  Still, the price has not caught up with the quality.  This Muscadet, from Serve-et-Maine, considered by many to be the best sub-region, is a great introduction to the appellation for those who are leery of it.  It’s also a great wine for those who already know the charms of Muscadet.  The sur lie designation means the wine aged on its lees, a technique that adds body and texture to this clean, cutting wine with a scintillating bite.  The zesty lemon-like finish makes it perfect for steamy August days or as an accompaniment to oysters at any time of the year.
91 Michael Apstein Aug 23, 2016