2023 J. Mourat Val de Loire Blanc

This Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay blend comes from the southwestern edge of the Loire Valley, just south of Muscadet, called AOC Fiefs Vendéens. I was blown away when I saw photos of this region. This is not the river countryside of Saumur and Angers, this is swirls of blue and tan. This is where water meets land, where grapes are tempered by the sea breeze. It’s here that Jérémie Mourat runs his family’s winery, nestled into the foothills of the Armorican Massif.

Ultra dry—aka not sweet—and high acid, this is as food friendly as they come. A summer white for lazy evenings and patio afternoons. It's all lemon, apple, stones, saline, and minerals.