2019 Domaine de Belle-Vue (Jerome Bretaudeau) Muscadet Gaia

Jérôme Bretaudeau is one of a small handful of serious, young winemakers devoted to the compelling terroir of Muscadet, the most western appellation in the Loire Valley. In stark contrast to most of Muscadet, which is dominated by overcropped, industrial-production cooperatives, Domaine de Belle Vue comprises 12 hectares of organically-certified vineyards in active transition to full biodynamic viticulture. Jérôme is, moreover, innovative and experimental, crafting wines not only from the appellation’s signature Melon de Bourgogne but also from eccentric cuvées of Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.

Other Reviews....
From the very first whiff, the 2019 Gaïa from Jerôme Bretaudeau has surprisingly compelling scents of menthol, mint, white fruits, butter and minerals. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced, seamless and concentrated, layered and deep, it has a delicate, exquisite texture that segues into a tense, crystalline finish with aromas of licorice and lemon oil. It will offer a broad drinking window. Drink 2023 - 2030.
95+ points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Aug 18, 2023)

The 2019 Gaïa is a bit of a Muscadet anomaly in that it is biodynamically grown and is fermented and matured in concrete egg. It's a rich style with a high level of intensity. Having gone through malolactic, it has a soft and full mouthfeel. The finish is salty and citrussy with a fine element of bitterness and nutty savory character. In a blind tasting, I'd probably have mistaken it for a Chenin Blanc, but that doesn't make it any less valid. Drink 2021 - 2030.
92 points
Rebecca Gibb MW - Vinous