2020 Louise Chereau Vices and Vertus 'Orgueil' Brut

Aromas of green apple, crisp pear, lemon zest, white floral blossoms, and subtle sea spray lead into a vibrant, refreshing, light-bodied palate. Flavors of tart yellow plum, grapefruit, and fresh almond mesh with a distinct saline minerality and a hint of yeasty brioche. The texture is bright and frothy, supported by a fine, delicate perlage and high-toned, mouthwatering natural acidity through a clean, bone-dry finish.

Grapes are hand-harvested from 40-year-old estate vines and gently pressed before undergoing primary fermentation in underground cement tanks. Secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle via the méthode traditionnelle, with a tirage liqueur crafted using an older vintage of estate Muscadet. The wine ages on its fine lees in bottle for nine to fourteen months before manual disgorgement at the estate, finished with a subtle 7 gram per liter dosage derived from estate grape must to accent freshness and aromatic balance.

Grapes are sourced from the historic Chasseloir estate in the commune of Saint-Fiacre-sur-Maine, situated in the heart of the Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine sub-region. Perched along the slopes above the Maine River, the vineyard features well-draining schistose and gneiss soils. The cool maritime climate of the Pays Nantais preserves razor-sharp natural acidity while fostering pure mineral expression.