The Wine & Winemaker Winemaker: Manuel Landron & Marion Pescheux (Complemen'terre) Region: Muscadet (Loire Valley), France Grape: 100% Melon de Bourgogne (Melon Blanc) The Story After the extensive tasting and our deep dives with Manuel, this was without a doubt our favorite of the day. It is a fantastic, crystal-clear expression of the Melon de Bourgogne grape. Fun detail: although that is its official name, it is increasingly referred to simply as 'Melon Blanc'. The grape was actually banished from Burgundy centuries ago to make room for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Funny enough, it was Dutch merchants in the 17th century who pushed for it to be planted massively in the Loire; the vines survived the harsh winters perfectly and the wine was ideal for distilling into brandy. Today, it’s the undisputed star of the region. While the Potion Mama is incredibly playful and energetic, this Mortier Gobin shows just how serious and elegant Complemen'terre's still wines can be. We knew right away this all-rounder had to be included in the box. The Vibe & Tasting Notes This wine comes from vines grown on orthogneiss (a hard, mineral-rich rock), which gives the wine an incredible tension. It was aged sur lie (on the lees), giving it a lovely, round texture without sacrificing a drop of its freshness. Expect a beautiful palate full of salty minerality, crisp green apple, and bright citrus. Because it’s such an incredibly versatile wine, it pairs effortlessly with a plate of oysters or good white fish, but it has more than enough depth to simply be enjoyed on its own all evening long.