Exclusive Import Milestone: Domaine Luneau-Papin Reaches the Pinnacle of French Wine

Sensational news from the Muscadet appelation - and a moment of real pride for us here at Whelehans Wines

As the exclusive importer of Domaine Luneau-Papin in Ireland, we are delighted to share that Pierre-Jean and Marie Luneau-Papin have been awarded a prestigious 3rd Star in Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France by La Revue du Vin de France.

In the world of fine wine, this is the exact equivalent of earning a third Michelin star. Out of thousands of producers across France, only seven estates were elevated to this top level in the latest guide. It places this humble Muscadet estate shoulder-to-shoulder with the absolute elite of French winemaking.

Below is a direct translation of the article published by the French regional newspaper Ouest-France, covering this remarkable recognition for the estate and the Muscadet appellation.

This Winery in the Nantes Region Awarded a 3rd Star in the Prestigious Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

Domaine Luneau-Papin, located in Le Landreau (Loire-Atlantique), has just secured a third star in the guide to the best wines of the year, published annually by the famous Revue du vin de France.

Not one, not two, but three. Domaine Luneau-Papin, in Le Landreau - southeast of Loire-Atlantique - has just earned a third star in the guide published by the renowned Revue du vin de France. Only seven other French estates received this highest distinction in the new edition. As for the ultra-exclusive four-star circle, it counts a mere 31 wine properties nationwide.

Recognition for the Muscadet Appellation

This prestigious award, often compared to the Michelin Guide for restaurants, restores luster to an appellation that, just fifteen years ago, was often regarded as low-end. "We feel happy and proud for so many reasons," confides Marie Chartier-Luneau. "We are grateful because the judges of the guide have always kept a supportive eye on us, even back when Muscadet was somewhat looked down upon."

Since 2008, the estate has undertaken a profound transformation, culminating in full biodynamic viticulture across their entire Muscadet vineyard.

Domaine Luneau-Papin, "La Grange", Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie, 2024

"100% Melon de Bourgogne, to the eye, this wine seems to shine from within. An opulent palate which then introduce a mix of ripe melon and crisp apple. The impact of the soil is abundantly obvious as it gives a fantastic mineral structure to the wine. " 

€23