Pierre-Marie Luneau farms his 45-year-old south-facing vines on 50 hectares of volcanic rock and mica-schist soil in Le Landreau, in the village of the same name. He is the ninth generation to do so. The estate is also known as Domaine Pierre de la Grange, and has been planted to Melon de Bourgogne since the 1700’s. The wines of Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin continue to surprise people who have become accustomed to overwhelming blandness as a marker of many Muscadets. Luneau’s wines are harvested and fermented by plot, and the resulting wines present distinct character.

Traditional production methods are followed here: juice was separated from gross lees, fermented for four weeks, and aged on fine lees in stainless steel for seven months. Minimal oxidation was permitted, and the finished wine was bottled the following spring.

This is a thoroughly charming wine. Entirely Melon de Bourgogne, to the eye, this wine seems to glow from within. The palate is a rich and inviting mix of ripe melon and crisp apple. The impact of the soil is abundantly clear – it imparts a particular mineral character to the wine’s structure. Its purity of flavour, fine weight, and freshness make for a superb aperitif. With the exception of Champagne, you will be hard-pressed to find anything better to accompany oysters.

“You might try 100 AA to ZZ examples of melon de bourgogne from the appellation of Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine Sur Lie and never come across one like this La Grange. Fruit at a two to one ratio and tres hombres character while words like lean, briny and salty don’t really apply. Expressions like sweet sea air and fleshy stone fruit, however do. This is packed with flavour, texture and yet there is an underlying subtlety of sea shell and salinity that keeps it real. Depth is present, harvest from low yields for sure, maybe even some vine age. Expensive at the top of the denomination but truly worth a visit for a different, but also wow expression of Muscadet. Total discovery, “hmm, hmm, hmm. Have mercy.” Drink 2024-2027”
92 points, Michael Godel, Wine Align, April 2024

“The 2022 La Grange is made from grapes grown on schist and mica-schist soils. It has a delightful bouquet of lemon oil, menthol and white fruits, followed by a medium-bodied and juicy texture with bright acids and an energetic, tense and mouthwatering finish. This classic Muscadet could evolve beautifully over the next two to four years.”
90 points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, August 2023