Famille Lieubeau : Clisson 2023

Tasting Notes and Recommendations for the Clisson 2023 by Famille Lieubeau

Tasting

Appearance
Revealing a pale straw-yellow hue with golden highlights, it displays beautiful luminosity and remarkable brilliance.

Nose
Complex and evolving, the bouquet opens with aromas of candied citrus, such as lemon and orange zest, intertwined with notes of dried flowers and sweet spices like clove and nutmeg. Subtle smoky and mineral touches, along with hints of exotic fruits evoking passion fruit and lychee, further enrich this aromatic palette.

Palate
The attack is striking with its silky, creamy texture, perfectly balanced by a saline, crisp acidity. The palate echoes the flavours of candied citrus and minerality perceived on the nose. The finish, of remarkable persistence, lingers on a beautiful mineral salinity and delicate spicy notes.

Food and wine pairings

This white wine pairs wonderfully with grilled fish (sea bass, turbot, swordfish), white meats in creamy sauces, or exotic and spicy Asian-inspired dishes. It is also an ideal match for a seafood platter, oysters, lobster or smoked salmon.

Serving and cellaring

To reveal the full complexity of this 2023 vintage, decanting or prior aeration is recommended. It is best enjoyed at a cool temperature, between 7 and 10°C. Endowed with great ageing potential, this wine can be enjoyed today but will continue to evolve favourably in the cellar until around 2031.

The elegance and minerality of a great white wine from the Loire Valley

The estate

Founded in 1816 by Joseph Grégoire, an orphan taken in at Nantes, Famille Lieubeau embodies more than two centuries of winemaking history in the Loire Valley. Today, the estate is run by siblings Vincent, Marie and François Lieubeau. Located in Château-Thébaud, the property extends over 65 hectares of vines cultivated under organic farming. Renowned for its environmental commitment and the showcasing of its terroirs, Famille Lieubeau produces gastronomic wines that combine tradition and innovation.

The vineyard

The grapes come from the Clos de la Placelière, a historic plot enclosed by high stone walls that create a protective microclimate. Located on the Clisson cru, in the south-western part of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation, this terroir stands out for its deeply granitic soils and its maritime influence linked to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. The vines, around fifty years old, are grown under organic farming with controlled yields. The harvest is exclusively done by hand, with rigorous plot-by-plot sorting.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification begins with a gentle pneumatic pressing of whole bunches, followed by a light cold settling. Fermentation takes place naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts. The wine then benefits from a long 24-month ageing on fine lees in underground vats, with regular bâtonnage to develop its textural richness and aromatic complexity.

Grape variety

Melon de Bourgogne (100%).