Excelsior AOP 2020

Wine Description for Excelsior AOP 2020 by Luneau-Papin

Colour & Appearance

Intense, luminous straw yellow with golden reflections – a Muscadet that already promises substance and depth on the eye.

Nose

The nose is complex and multi-layered: ripe white-fleshed fruit – apple, pear, quince, peach – meets notes of dried apple and bread crust. Beneath shimmer fine hints of yeast, nutmeg, mint and wet stone. A nose that goes far beyond what one would expect from a „simple“ Muscadet.

Palate

On the palate, the Excelsior unfolds surprising power and depth. Ripe fruit, almond paste and apple and grapefruit peel form a precise, linear framework. The acidity is ripe, lively and underpinned by subtle minerality. Fine tannin texture and a hint of mille-feuille and yeast lend the wine an almost Burgundian elegance.

Finish

Long, saline-mineral and characterised by lingering almond notes – a finish that unmistakably underscores the exceptional provenance of this wine.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the Clos des Noëlles in the vineyard site La Plécisière, commune of La Chapelle-Heulin – part of the Cru Communal Goulaine. The soil of slate and mica schist decisively shapes the pronounced minerality and texture of the wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Melon de Bourgogne, planted 1936 – among the oldest vines in the entire Nantais region. Hand-harvested, pneumatic pressing, spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts. Subsequently fermented and aged 24 to 36 months on the lees in glass-lined, underground cement vats. An élevage that creates complexity and ageing potential.

Food Pairing Suggestions

An ideal companion to turbot sautéed in smoked butter with almond-sesame crust, Breton lobster on pea cream with saffron beurre blanc or a courgette soufflé with baked goat’s cheese.

Special Features

The Excelsior is the unofficial Grand Cru of Muscadet. Bottles from the 2002 vintage are still on the market today – impressive testimony to the exceptional ageing potential of this wine. The 2020 is already a pleasure to drink now, but will improve further with additional cellar time.