The Chon family has been making wine in Muscadet since 1670. While most people in America have to consult a DNA test to know what their family was doing thirteen generations ago, Marine Chon and Arnaud Madec-Chon have only to look out the window to their vineyards at the family property, the Chateau de la Jousseliniere. The Chon domaine is long established as one of the best – and certainly best value – domaines in Muscadet. Their wines embody the ethos of the region, lightly salty, fresh and invigorating but never insubstantial. This bottling, Les Marinieres is named in honor of sailors, whose work sailing to and from the port of Nantes is still an integral part of both the wine trade and the regional economy. The nose offers notes of cooked apples, pear blossom, lemon balm and salt. The palate is lightly creamy yet clean-cut with acidity, with waves of tangerine and lemon alternating with pear and granite infused minerality. Salt – another cornerstone of the region’s history and a classic marker of Muscadet’s flavor – is also a flavor note here, especially on the finish. Oysters are the iconic pairing, but any freshly prepared seafood dish will do with this one.