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Why one family chose to plant Chardonnay in the heart of a region devoted to Melon de Bourgogne
Some wines are remarkable because they perfectly follow tradition.
Others stand out because they dare to take a different path.
The Chardonnay 2025 from Domaine de l’Épinay, crafted by the Paquereau brothers, belongs to the second category. Produced in a region almost entirely dedicated to Muscadet, this wine offers a fresh perspective on one of France’s most familiar grape varieties.
It is a reminder that even the most traditional wine regions can still surprise us.
The land of Muscadet
Travel to the western edge of the Loire Valley, close to the Atlantic Ocean, and one grape dominates almost every vineyard: Melon de Bourgogne.
For centuries, it has been the foundation of Muscadet, producing crisp, mineral white wines that have become inseparable from oysters, shellfish and the fresh seafood of the Atlantic coast.
Planting another variety here is unusual.
Planting Chardonnay is even more unexpected.
Why Chardonnay?
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most adaptable grape varieties.
From Burgundy to Champagne and far beyond, it has shown an extraordinary ability to reflect its surroundings.
In the cool Atlantic climate of western Loire, it develops a personality quite different from its Burgundian cousins.
Rather than richness or oak, freshness becomes the defining feature.
The result is a Chardonnay with lively fruit, bright acidity and remarkable drinkability, offering a different interpretation of a grape that many wine lovers already know well.
The Paquereau brothers – respecting tradition while embracing diversity
At Domaine de l’Épinay, the Paquereau family has always been closely connected to its local vineyards.
While remaining deeply attached to the region’s winemaking traditions, the brothers have also shown that there is room for curiosity and innovation.
This Chardonnay is not an attempt to imitate Burgundy.
Instead, it explores what Chardonnay can become when grown under Atlantic skies and crafted with the same care traditionally devoted to Muscadet.
Winemaking focused on freshness
The philosophy in the cellar is simple: preserve the natural expression of the fruit.
The grapes are gently pressed at low pressure before undergoing a cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
This slow, temperature-controlled vinification preserves the delicate aromas developed during fermentation, highlighting citrus fruits, exotic fruit and the grape’s natural freshness.
The wine is racked immediately after fermentation to retain its vibrant fruit character before being bottled in the spring.
No oak, no unnecessary intervention—just purity and freshness.
In the glass – bright, lively and approachable
The Chardonnay 2025 opens with expressive aromas of citrus, ripe pear and tropical fruits, accompanied by delicate floral notes.
On the palate, it is fresh, vibrant and beautifully balanced. The fruit remains at the forefront, supported by lively acidity that gives the wine energy without sacrificing its gentle texture.
The finish is clean, refreshing and wonderfully easy to enjoy.
A Chardonnay for every occasion
Its freshness makes this wine incredibly versatile.
It pairs beautifully with grilled fish, seafood, roast chicken, salads, creamy pasta dishes or soft cheeses, while also making an excellent apéritif.
Served well chilled, it is a white wine that feels equally at home on a summer terrace or around the dinner table.
Proof that every region still has surprises to offer
The vineyards around Muscadet will always be best known for Melon de Bourgogne—and rightly so.
Yet wines such as the Domaine de l’Épinay Chardonnay 2025 remind us that great wine regions continue to evolve.
Sometimes, stepping just a little outside tradition can reveal something unexpected.
Fresh, expressive and unmistakably shaped by its Atlantic origins, this Chardonnay offers a fascinating new perspective on a region that still has many stories left to tell.
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