Barton & Guestier Muscadet 1999

The Muscadet comes from the region where the Loire River meets the sea, south-east of the city of Nantes. The influence of the Atlantic Ocean is felt in this region's mild winters and temperate summers. The vineyard extends on low slopes about 50 meters above sea level, with a pebbly sandy-clay soil. The wine is made with 100% Muscadet (also called "Melon de Bourgogne") which produces a crisp, elegant white wine. VINTAGE A particularly mild winter led to early budburst but a cold spell and rains slowed everything down in April. The May frosts had little consequence in the Nantes region. Flowering went well but was followed by a fresh, wet period and rather dull weather in July. The hot dry weather in August accelerated the ripening process. Muscadet was the first appellation in the Loire Valley to start harvesting, on September 10th, but the concentration of some wines was slightly diluted because of the rains which fell in the latter half of the month. This again was a year which required much know-how on the part of the winemaker in order to produce wines of outstanding quality. With rigorous selection of the grapes and perfect control during vinification, exceptional wines could be produced. WINEMAKING After destemming and crushing, the alcoholic fermentation was carried out at low temperature in order to keep the fruit aromas and the freshness of Muscadet. Malolactic fermentation is avoided (also to preserve the wine's freshness) with the addition of sulphur dioxide following primary fermentation. The wines are aged several months in stainless steel tanks before fining, blending and bottling. WINEMAKER NOTES Brilliant pale straw color. Very expressive and elegant bouquet, with aromas of white flowers and quince. Lots of finesse. Lively and fresh in the mouth charming and easy to drink, with pleasant flavors recalling pears.