Wines Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Château Haute Carizière - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Château Haute Carizière Muscadet-Sèvre-et-Maine 2024 is a white wine hailing from the western stretches of France’s Loire Valley, specifically the Nantais region. This wine is crafted from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, a varietal famed for its freshness, delicacy and subtle aromatic profile. The 2024 vintage is likely to showcase vibrant acidity, zesty citrus notes and subtle hints of green apple, often accompanied by a faint saline edge—a signature characteristic of Muscadet wines. Château Haute Carizière is recognised for traditional vinification methods, including ageing “sur lie,” where the wine rests on its fine lees for several months, imparting texture, complexity and a signature liveliness to the palate.

The Nantes region, lying close to the Atlantic coast, is well-known for its cool, maritime climate and regular Atlantic breezes, which maintain the natural acidity and freshness in the grapes. The soils here, predominantly composed of gneiss, mica schist and granite, lend a distinctive mineral edge to the wines. Muscadet has a long-standing reputation in the Loire Valley’s wine history, dating back centuries; the extensive waterways and gentle slopes create an ideal terroir for white wines. The regional tradition dates back to the 17th century, making Muscadet not only the flagship wine of the Nantes area but also an icon of French seafood gastronomy.

This Muscadet-Sèvre-et-Maine is an ideal companion for fresh seafood, particularly oysters, mussels and clams—classic pairings from the region. Its crispness also enhances delicate shellfish preparations, grilled white fish and sushi. For a taste of the local cuisine, try it alongside moules marinières or a terrine de poisson. Soft goat’s cheeses, such as Crottin de Chavignol, also make excellent partners, amplifying both the wine’s subtle fruit and saline notes.

For best enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled, between 8-10°C, to preserve its freshness and aromatic intensity. Decanting is unnecessary; simply open the bottle shortly before serving to fully appreciate its lively, youthful character.