Clos du Paradis
Clos du Paradis’ approach stands out for its strong commitment to environmental and terroir preservation. Soil conservation practices, the introduction of diverse plant cover between rows, and the gradual transition to organic farming on some plots illustrate its dedication to sustainable viticulture. Traditional vinification in underground glass-lined concrete tanks, a hallmark of the Nantes region, along with minimal sulfur use—thanks to natural CO₂ protection—further demonstrate this commitment to preserving the purest expression of the grape and terroir. The result is a Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie that combines finesse, character, and purity, showcasing the full potential of this unique vineyard.
History
In the past, the seigneury of Pé Pucelle ruled over the farms and surrounding lands, giving places names that reflected their uses, such as La Porcherie (the pigsty) or La Vacherie (the cowshed). Some enclosed plots, like Clos du Paradis or Clos des Rochettes, stood out due to their steep slopes, ideal for vine cultivation. Overlooking these hillsides, the Moulin du Pé, built in the 19th century at over 70 meters in altitude, remains a symbol of the local landscape.
This history intertwines family traditions and the transmission of expertise. For several generations, the Delaunay family has worked the land with passion. After gaining various experiences, the current winemaker took over the estate in 2017 and officially settled in 2020, carrying on the legacy while gradually transitioning some plots to organic farming.
The vineyard, covering around thirty hectares, stretches around Loroux-Bottereau on a diverse geological base (gneiss, leptynite, mica schist, amphibolite), giving the wines a great variety of terroirs. The plots, often steep and rich in stones, reach over 70 meters in altitude. These well-draining, shallow soils encourage the production of wines with character, fully revealing the expression of their terroir.
The Vineyard
Clos du Paradis comes from four hectares classified as AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, with a granular soil composed of leptynite and schist. The single grape variety used is Melon de Bourgogne. Yields are strictly controlled, not exceeding 45 hl/ha, thanks to short Guyot Nantais pruning and a range of environmentally friendly farming practices (inter-row tilling, inter-vine plowing, partial grass cover, and green work). The goal is to maintain vine balance and preserve biodiversity through meticulous care of each vine.
Winemaking & Aging
The grapes, harvested at dawn to retain their freshness, are transported to the winery for pneumatic pressing. The juice is then lightly settled at cold temperatures (12 hours) for clarification. Fermentation, carried out by indigenous yeasts, takes place under temperature control (between 16 and 18°C) to preserve the aromatic finesse and freshness of Melon de Bourgogne.
Clos du Paradis is then aged “on lees” in underground glass-lined concrete tanks, following the Nantes tradition, with winter bâtonnage. This regular stirring of the lees adds body and complexity to the wine while preserving the typicity and minerality of the terroir.
Wine Character
Clos du Paradis, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie, charms with its delicate nose, marked by citrus and white flower aromas. On the palate, the freshness and liveliness typical of Melon de Bourgogne blend with a lovely roundness, gained through lees aging. The minerality, inherited from the leptynite and schist soils, is expressed in a saline and persistent finish, offering a fine balance between tension and softness.
