Domaine Luneau-Papin Gula-Ana Cuvée Goulaine ‘21

The 2021 Domaine Luneau-Papin Gula-Ana Goulaine Cuvee is a remarkable Muscadet from the Loire Valley, crafted from 50-year-old Melon de Bourgogne vines grown in soils rich in peridotite and serpentinite. The wine is harvested by hand and undergoes a unique aging process, spending 22 months on lees in underground concrete tanks lined with glass tiles, a method that enhances its complexity and depth. Unlike many Muscadets, this wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, adding richness and rounding out its character. The Gula-Ana Cuvee offers a delicate and evolving bouquet, initially floral and mineral, with citrus and white fruit notes that intensify with time. Fantastic mineral tension, a beautiful texture, and a long, vibrant finish with hints of menthe and nectarine mark the palate. Domaine Luneau-Papin, a prestigious estate with a history dating back to the 17th century, is known for producing Muscadets with exceptional aging potential. Under the leadership of Pierre-Marie Luneau, the 9th generation of the family, the estate focuses on expressing the unique terroirs of its vineyards, which are farmed organically and, in some cases, biodynamically. The Gula-Ana Cuvee stands out with its kaleidoscopic structure and astonishing complexity, offering layers of ripe orange, papaya, and poached quince, alongside intriguing flavors of star anise, fennel, and roasted nigella. This wine is praised for its density, energy, and incredible balance of fresh and mineral flavors. With its ability to age gracefully, it has become a sought-after wine, enjoyed by wine lovers and featured in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the Loire region and Paris.