Muscadet appellation
The name Muscadet appeared for the first time in 1635. The Melon de Bourgogne is a Burgundy grape variety, as its name suggests, which appeared in the 16th century. Muscadet wines are the only wines in the world produced from a single grape variety. Since 1937, Muscadet has been a classified AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée) of the Loire Valley region. These wines offer a palette of highly nuanced aromas, due in particular to their cultivation in sediment, the length of time they take to reach maturity and the diversity of the terroir. These characteristics affect the structure of the wine and its evolution on the nose and on the palate.
History of the appellation
The wine thus designated ‘Muscadet’ was ‘a wine with a musky flavour’.
Muscadet became the principal grape variety in the Nantes region in the 19th century, when almost all the vines affected by phylloxera had to be reconstituted. The Méline tariff required the new vines to observe the traditional grape varieties - Muscadet and Gros Plant.
Climate
The climate of the appellation sector is mainly temperate oceanic. The influence of this climate is facilitated by the Loire estuary and the absence of elevation. Winters are wet and mild. Summers are likewise relatively fine and mild, although there is at least one heatwave each year which lasts for a few days. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, though not very heavy.
Terroir
The soil of non-denomination Muscadet is predominantly silty and sandy.
The soils drain very well across the entire Muscadet territory, which is essential in a region as wet as the Pays Nantais. The principal terrains are by turn sandy, schist and granite.
Grape variety
Melon de Bourgogne is a white variety native to the region of Burgundy, as its name suggests. It is better known by the name Muscadet, the name of the wine produced from it. This is the main variety in the Pays Nantais region of the Breton coast
Colours ands styles
Muscadet AOP wines come in various styles:
- Dry white
- Annual production*: 79,000 hectolitres i.e. approximately 10,500,000 bottles
- Producers: 330 winegrowers
- Annual yield: 70 hectolitres per hectare
- Service and storage: 9-11°, preferably in a wine cellar
The date for harvesting is chosen to get the best out of every vintage. The grapes are allowed to ripen fully, which means they retain the acidity that is characteristic of these white wines. The variety is also characterised by floral and mineral notes which give the wine a freshness and finesse in the mouth.
It is generally aged in oak barrels which allows it to retain the citrus flavours typical of Muscadet. The cuvée is then bottled.
Food and wine pairing
Aperitif
- Small seafood appetisers
STARTER
- Platter of fresh, market oysters
MAIN
- Seafood
- Smoked eel
- Sardines
CHEESE
- Curé Nantais
Tasting
APPEARANCE
- Pale yellow with green reflections
NOSE
- White floral and fruity notes
PALATE
- Fresh, beading
