Domaine le Fay d’Homme, Muscadet, Fief Seigneur Gneiss, Nantais, Loire, France, 2023

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

Located in the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine region, Domaine Fay d’Homme sits on stony, siliceous-clay soils with vines averaging 60 years of age. Vineyard work is guided by organic and biodynamic principles, with minimal pruning and careful soil management. A family-run estate for generations, the domaine has been led by Vincent Caillé since 1986. He continues the tradition of low-intervention, artisanal winemaking, crafting wines that are both premium in quality and true to their terroir. The name ‘Fief Seigneur Gneiss’ refers to the vineyard’s distinctive gneiss-based soils in Monnières, rich in minerals and key to the wine’s character. All viticultural practices are rooted in sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Winemaking

Grapes are harvested by hand and undergo a gentle pressing to extract the juice. A gentle settling process followed by lengthy ferment (21 days) with native yeasts in concrete vats.

Tasting Note

This Muscadet displays a pale gold hue with green reflections. The nose offers aromas of white fruits, citrus, and a subtle minerality. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, with a lively acidity and a saline finish.

Food Matching

Seafood, crustaceans, and soft cheeses. Its crisp acidity and minerality also complement vegetable dishes and light salads.

Awards