France

Stef Fleet

Muscadet is one of the most widely recognised names in wine - but is mostly known as a source of cheap, industrially made white. A group of ambitious producers are changing that image - redefining Muscadet as a serious wine of place. With its natural freshness and minerality, and its ability to reveal differences in vineyards a few metres apart, these high quality wines are closer to top Chablis than the Muscadet of the past.Thomas Foubert of La Ferme des Confluences is at the heart of the region and this drive for quality. He took on his 10 hectares of vineyard in 2022. Between the banks of the Sèvre and Maine rivers, the vines are situated on some of the area’s finest terroirs. While 80% is planted to Muscadet’s Melon de Bourgogne grape, there is also Folle Blanche, Chardonnay, Côt, and Egiodola. Like other Burgundy-inspired local producers, Thomas’ focus is on making wines that express their terroir through careful farming. As much work as possible is done by hand, and the vineyards are certified organic (and have been since 2017). Thanks to the high quality of the fruit, Thomas is able to keep winemaking as simple as possible, with wild yeast fermentations and low sulphur additions. Lees ageing takes place in a mix of vessels, including concrete, stainless steel, fibreglass tanks and barrel.La Ferme des Confluences is a relatively new project, but it is emblematic of Muscadet’s exciting new trajectory. The wines are beautifully made, combining saline minerality with a depth that reveals the nuances of this great terroir. The comparison with Chablis is an apt one, but at current prices these wines offer excellent value for money. For lovers of mineral whites, La Ferme des Confluences is one of France’s most exciting new prospects.

La Ferme Des Confluences

Wines

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