The Muscadet is made from a single grape variety: melon de Bourgogne, also known as “melon B”. Introduced to the region after the frost of 1709, it found its ideal terroir in the Nantes region. It produces dry, crisp, livelywines that are perfect with seafood.
Muscadet : Melon B grape variety in his vineyardBehind the Muscadet
The grape varietyBurgundy melonIdentity of the Muscadet
Muscadet : Melon B grape variety in his vineyard
Muscadet: Melon B grape variety in his vineyard
photo of wine tasting in a cellar in the val de loire, muscadet du pays nantais, chateau du Coing. glass of muscadet
Muscadet : Melon B grape variety in his vineyard
Muscadet : Melon B grape variety in his vineyard
photo of a cellar visit to a muscadet producer in the Nantes vineyards. visit and discovery of muscadet, tasting of muscadet from the Nantes vineyards.
Muscadet sur lie from Domaine Bid'GiContrary to what its name sometimes implies, Muscadet sur lie is not a grape variety, but a vinification term. It indicates that the wine has been matured on its fine lees, i.e. the dead yeasts left over from fermentation. This method, typical of the Nantes vineyards, gives the wine its freshness, roundness and sometimes a subtle natural sparkle.
The wine is aged on its lees throughout the winter and bottled without racking. It’s a local signature, now well identified.
An appellationSeveral terroirs
The Muscadet is available in a number of Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée:
Each reveals its own personality, influenced by the soil (gabbro, granite, mica schist…) and the microclimate. In recent years, this diversity has been enriched by the addition of local crus, with their exacting specifications.
Harvesting with the Lieubeau familyFrom "sur lie" toThe "Nantes method
While the term“sur lie“(on lees) made Muscadet famous from the 1970s onwards, it is no longer the only approach to quality. Some winemakers are opting for longer maturation periods, sometimes 18, 24 months or more. To better reflect this richness, a new expression is emerging: the Nantaise method. This method highlights the know-how of the region without imposing a fixed length of ageing.
photo of wine tasting in a cellar in the val de loire, muscadet du pays nantais, chateau du Coing. glass of muscadet
Muscadet sur lie from Domaine Bid'Giphoto of wine tasting in a cellar in the val de loire, muscadet du pays nantais, chateau du Coing. glass of muscadet
Vineyards Domaine Ménard-Gaborit
Harvesting at Domaine Ménard-Gaborit
Harvesting with the Lieubeau familyAnd what aboutGros Plantin all this?
A neighbour of Muscadet, Gros Plant du Pays Nantais is made from another grape variety: Folle Blanche. More rustic and more acidic, it produces very lively wines, often also produced on lees. Served well-chilled, it goes perfectly with oysters and seafood.
FAQ
- Why is Muscadet associated with seafood?
Its dry character, minerality and freshness make it the perfect partner for oysters and shellfish. This historic link with the ocean also comes from its geographical proximity: Muscadet was born just a few kilometres from the Loire estuary.
- Where can you taste Muscadet directly from the producers?
All over the Vignoble Nantais! Many wineries open their doors for tastings and cellar tours. You can also follow the Nantes Wine Route to meet the winemakers and discover the local crus.
- Can Muscadet be kept?
To preserve its freshness, Muscadet should be kept for 1 to 3 years. It is at its best when young. However, local crus such as Clisson, Gorges or Château-Thébaud reveal their complexity after some time in the cellar.
- What's the difference between a "classic" Muscadet and a Cru communal?
The “classic” Muscadet ages for around six months on lees. The Crus Communaux, on the other hand, are often aged between 18 and 36 months, giving them greater richness, texture and ageing potential.
- Where can you buy Muscadet in the Vignoble Nantais?
Directly from the winegrowers, in the tourist cellars or at the Tourist Office shop in Clisson, which offers a fine selection of local vintages and appellations.
A history ofTerroir à vivreWineries, estates and activities
The Muscadet is a wine, a landscape, a way of life. To help you understand its subtleties, many of the wine cellars in the Vignoble Nantais region offer guided tastings, vineyard walks and discovery workshops. A great way to combine knowledge and flavour during your stay.
