Domaine de la Foliette: A Hidden Gem in Muscadet

Tours has always been a staple home base for us in France. Its central location in the Loire Valley makes it the perfect launch point for day trips to visit producers in the surrounding wine regions. On this particular day, after enjoying a quick kebab sandwich by the river in Saumur, we headed west toward the Muscadet wine region. Known for its crisp, refreshing white wines, Muscadet is a classic pairing for oysters on the half shell. However, the region is a bit of a mixed bag—it pays to know what you’re buying, as the wines range from ordinary to extraordinary.

Arriving at Domaine de la Foliette, we were greeted by the sight of a charming estate with a deep history and strong ties to the region’s winemaking traditions. Founded in 1928 by Joseph Brosseau, the domaine has grown over the generations, now spanning 40 hectares of vineyards across the towns of La Haye-Fouassière, Haute-Goulaine, and Vertou. It’s run today by two passionate associates, Denis Brosseau and Eric Vincent, who come from local wine-growing families. Together, they’ve brought decades of expertise to the estate, focusing on crafting authentic wines that express the unique terroir of Muscadet.

Our visit began with a tour of their winery and cellars, which included an impressive array of stainless steel tanks for fermenting and aging the wines. Some of these tanks were underground or partially in-ground, designed for longer aging, a method that contributes to the signature freshness and minerality of Muscadet. One surprise was the presence of a room full of oak barrels, which isn’t typically associated with this region. The barrels are used selectively to craft some of their standout cuvées, adding complexity and elegance to their wines.

The tasting that followed was eye-opening. We began with their classic 2017 Elégance Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, a textbook example of what you want from this region—bright, zippy acidity with refreshing citrus and saline notes. But it was the unexpected wines that truly stole the show. Their La P’tite Folie, a sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne method from a blend of Colombard and Melon de Bourgogne, was dry and delicious, a refreshing departure from the still whites.

Next came a 2015 Muscadet aged for nine months in oak barrels. It was still fresh and vibrant but with added depth and elegance. I couldn’t help but imagine pairing it with smoked fish on sourdough. Then came a 2009 vintage Muscadet, aged three months in oak. It was powerful and beautifully integrated, proving just how age-worthy these wines can be when made with care. We finished with a surprisingly dry rosé featuring 50% Merlot in the blend, which was equally well-made and refreshing.

After the tasting, we visited their nearby vineyards. In June, the vines were covered in a thick canopy of leaves, though there was no fruit yet. They showed us some of their older vineyard sites as well as a small nursery where they’re cultivating new vines. The estate’s commitment to sustainable practices was evident. Certified Terra Vitis since 2000, Domaine de la Foliette embraces a viticulture method that respects the land and nature, focusing on limited production, low yields, and rigorous selection to ensure quality.

Denis and Eric’s passion for their work is palpable, and it’s reflected in every bottle. From their crisp, classic Muscadet to their innovative sparkling and oaked cuvées, the wines of Domaine de la Foliette showcase both the tradition and the potential of this often-overlooked region. It’s easy to see why their wines are featured not only in local gourmet restaurants but also on tables around the world, from the United States to Japan. As we wrapped up our visit, I couldn’t help but think about how these wines would shine back home alongside a fresh platter of oysters.