Mouton Noir 2025

ProducerDomaine Le Fay d’HommeRegionLoire Valley, FranceGrapeMelon de BourgogneGeologyGabbroFarmingIn organic conversionVintage2025Size75cl

AbstractFresh, Citrus, Lively
A bright Muscadet from a newly converted parcel, with a place at the fish-and-chips table.

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
Mouton Noir comes from Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, southeast of Nantes at the Atlantic end of the Loire. Gabbro lies beneath the vines, one of the distinctive rocks Vincent works with in this small but geologically varied corner of France.

The 2025 fruit comes from a new parcel undergoing organic conversion. That distinction matters: although Vincent’s established vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, this bottling is not yet certified organic.

Wine
Mouton Noir puts Melon de Bourgogne in an easy-going setting: fresh, dry Muscadet for the table, with the emphasis on fruit and a clean finish.

The grapes are picked by hand, fermented in tank and aged for six months in tank. Serve cool with grilled mackerel or fish and chips; the uncomplicated cellar work leaves room for the grape and its gabbro-grown character.