Monnières-Saint Fiacre 2020

ProducerDomaine Le Fay d’Homme (Vincent Caillé)RegionLoire Valley, FranceGrapeMelon de BourgogneFarmingOrganic and biodynamicVintage2020ABV12.5%

AbstractCandied Citrus, Mineral, Layered
Old-vine Muscadet given time on its lees, with depth and a long mineral finish.

Winemaker
Vincent Caillé’s enthusiasm extends from his colourful knitwear to the possibilities beneath his vines. Over the years he has bought and sold parcels around Monnières, gradually assembling what he considers the right combination of terroirs. Gneiss and gabbro give him different expressions of Muscadet to work with; long lees ageing gives those differences time to unfold.

The fifth generation at Domaine Le Fay d’Homme, he began farming organically in 1996, with biodynamics following in 2012. His daughters Emmanuelle and Clarisse joined in 2024, sharing the cellar and vineyard work. More hands, and more time for Vincent among the vines.

Origin
Monnières lies southeast of Nantes, in the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine vineyards at the Atlantic end of the Loire. Vincent’s parcels here give him several different soils to explore, with gneiss forming the foundation of this cru bottling.

Monnières-Saint Fiacre comes from Melon de Bourgogne vines more than 65 years old, farmed organically and biodynamically. This is the separate village-named cru, given extended time on its lees to develop its depth and expression of place.

Wine
Monnières-Saint Fiacre spends 34 months on its lees in underground cement tanks following native-yeast fermentation. Candied mandarin and a mineral finish bring a generous, composed feel to this mature Muscadet. Serve at 10–12°C with fish in beurre blanc or soft cheese.