NV Stéphane Orieux Scintilla Extra Brut

Region: Sèvre-et-Maine < Loire Valley < France Grapes: Gros-Plant (Folle Blanche) 80%, Chardonnay 20% Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming; 50+ year old vines on schist + granite soils, traditional method; hand harvest, pressed and co-fermented with native yeasts; 18 months on the lees; bottled with minimal So2; 12% ABV Winemaker: Stéphane Orieux The Loire Valley is a varied region, spanning from the more continental climate of the eastern villages to a maritime influence in the east.  The Sèvre-et-Maine appellation is known for Muscadet wines, the crisp, mineral driven whites that are the quintessential oyster pairing.  Domaine de la Bregeonnette's 2nd gen winemaker Stéphane Orieux took over from his father Joseph, who converted the estate to organic agriculture back in 1967 – truly a pioneer here. Stéphane has continued (now certified by Ecocert) the great vineyard work of his father, continuing to hand-harvest, eschew additives and use only minimal sulfur at bottli