Domaine Pierre de la Grange Muscadet 2011, France.

Our second tasting at Wine Therapy was the Domaine Pierre de la Grange Muscadet 2011.  This lovely, light import from the Loire Valley region of France was, for me, a clear winner.  It followed on the heels of the sparkling Rosé and had all kinds of citrus undertones that were enjoyable on the nose and the palate.  If, like me, you’re less a fan of oak or Chardonnay, this might be right up your alley.

Our knowledgeable host remarked that the Muscadet, made from the melon grape, “stayed crisp on the finish” and showcased its “minerally structure“, which I’m sure (quick bit of Internet research confirms this) is attributed to the soils in this region.  The Muscadet appellation lies just below Nantes on the western end of the Loire Valley.

We passed several restaurants in SoHo and Lolita on the walking tour that placed us in this little wine shop, and I would have gladly taken the Muscadet into any of them to accompany a seafood appetizer–maybe some mussels or clams?–or a light salad or pasta entree.  If you can already envision this bottle in your wine sleeve, chilling and perspiring in the warm summer sun, then I’ve done my job here.  You’d be smiling with your friends and enjoying a nice, affordable bottle of Domaine Pierre de la Grange Muscadet.