It has been over a decade since IMS’ Vice President, Philippe Moreau, added ‘vigneron’ to his CV. The long-time wine enthusiast is the proud owner of a small vineyard in the Loire Valley, near his home in Nantes, France. On this 3-acre oasis, Dr. Moreau, with celebrated winemaker Jérôme Bretaudeau, cultivates Melon de Bourgogne, a variety of white grape that thrives in the coarse-grained, gabbro soil of the region, used to produce Muscadet, a light-bodied dry white wine with pronounced minerality and complexity. The vineyard produces two vintages, La Justice and Gaïa. Both wines are considered ‘Cuvée Ovoïde’, referring to the egg-shaped concrete vessel used in the vinification and aging process.
Critics have referred to the blends as ‘beautifully saline and very persistent’ and widely commented on the ‘the striking… vivacity, minerality and creaminess.’ Under ideal weather conditions, the vineyard can produce an annual sum of 50 hectoliters of wine – over 6,504 bottles!
Oenophiles in France can sample these delicacies in some of the finest eateries in Paris, including the acclaimed Le Bristol. Sommeliers recommend pairing both with seafood and allowing La Justice to breathe before drinking.