Domaine le Fay d’Homme, Muscadet, Clos de la Févrie Orthogneiss, Nantais, Loire, France, 2022

Producer Profile

The winery is nestled in the heart of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation, the Domaine Fay d’Homme is a family affair, the craft of winemaking is a family tradition that is passing on from generation to generation in Caillé family.

In 1986, Vincent Caillé, took over the lead in running the family vineyard's operations, and since then, he is producing wines of the highest standards, combining low intervention and traditional methods, producing premium quality wines that are also expressive and reflect the Muscadet Sevre et Maine terroir. The ‘Christelle Guibert Connection’ - during a work trip in her home region of Muscadet for the British journal “Decanter”, Christelle was stricken by the high number of abandoned vineyards and by the growing number of producers who were working on the terroir. This region was the perfect place to realise her dream, and ‘Terre de Gneiss’ was born from her wish to make this forgotten wine region rise. Christelle created Vine Revival with her sister Corinne, and immediately called Vincent Caillé from Domaine Le Fay d’Homme to forge a union. ‘Terre de Gneiss’ and ‘Terre de Gabbro’ are the result of this association; modern Muscadets, based on terroir, stemming from traditional and biodynamic viticulture practices. These wines have a certain complexity which will allow them to have space amongst prestigious wines from a region in full renewal! Both Christelle and the Caillé family have experienced many challenges in the past seven years, from severe frosts to serious power outages that at one point caused the loss of their entire harvests; despite everything, Vincent and Christelle have managed to move beyond that, keeping quality as their main goal producing excellent wines each vintage.

Viticulture

The vineyard is situated in the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine region of France. Domaine Fay d’Homme is a family affair, the craft of winemaking is a family tradition that is passing on from generation to generation in Caillé family. In 1986, Vincent Caillé, took over the lead in running the family vineyard’s operations, and since then, he is producing wines of the highest standards, combining low intervention and traditional methods, producing premium quality wines that are also expressive and reflect the Muscadet Sevre et Maine terroir. The "Orthogneiss" in the name refers to the unique geological makeup of the vineyard's soil, which is rich in minerals and contributes to the wine's character. The viticulture practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Situated on stony, siliceous-clay soil, the vineyards feature grapes which are harvested by hand. Minimal pruning is carried out in the vineyard, meticulous care of the soil and vines adhere to organic and biodynamic principles.

Winemaking

Undergoes a gentle pressing to extract the finest juice. A gentle settling process is followed by a lengthy fermentation (21 days) with native yeasts. The wine is then matured on its lees for 6 months in underground concrete tanks.

Tasting Note

This wine presents a pale gold hue with green reflections. The nose offers aromas of ripe apples, pears, and subtle notes of bread crust and minerals. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, with a lively acidity and a saline finish.

Food Matching

Pairs well with seafood, crustaceans, and soft cheeses.