Muscadet Wine Region

AOC Muscadet is a dry white wine sub-region. In this appellation, wines are made from the Burgundy grape variety, better known as Melon de Bourgogne, and are exclusively white. Its vineyards stretch over 31 square kilometres from Ancenis to Pornic, in three departments of Pays Nantais. This appellation and its production area are now recognized as a wine-growing sub-region of the Loire Valley, France. If you are a lover of crispy, fresh white wine with acid tones of citrus and mouth-watering apple, then this is a place for you.

Find out more about the wine tastings and tours in Muscadet!

Where is the Muscadet wine region located?

Muscadet is located in Western France, in the wine region of Loire Valley, close to the city of Nantes. Muscadet wine appellation belongs to the significant wine-producing sub-region of Pay-Nantais in the Loire Valley region. Its vineyard is located at the western edges of the Loire Valley, bordered by Brittany, the Marais Breton alluvial plain on all sides. Due to its size, it is regarded as the most prominent white wine appellation in France. There are a few subzones in Muscadet itself: Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu, Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire and Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine. The prominent neighbouring wine appellations are Anjou, Anjou-Saumur and Savennières.

The history of Muscadet wine appellation

The history of Muscadet’sMuscadet’s wine production dates back to Roman times. First, Emperor Probus ordered the soldiers to plant vineyards in the region to commemorate the victory. The reason the name of the main grape variety Melon de Bourgogne comes from Burgundy is pretty controversial. Some say that grapes were first transported from Bourgogne to Pay Nantais in 1740, where it had flourished; others, like some French ampelographers, claim that this local grape variety, having origins in Pay Nantais, looks very much like Melon de Bourgogne from Burgundy, so they just gave this name to it. Nevertheless, no matter the history of its name, the Melon de Bourgogne had the best of luck in the 20th century. Using advanced winemaking technics and an extended maceration process, Muscadet wine made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety had significantly developed and brought much fame to the region. As a result, the Muscadet appellation officially gained appellation status in 1937, and it incorporates three regional sub-appellations: Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine, established in 1936. Muscadet-Coteaux de la Loire, established in 1936, and Muscadet-Côtes de Grandlieu, established in 1994.

Muscadet wine appellation terroir

The climate is temperate and oceanic, with a reduced temperature range between seasons. The amount of sunshine varies significantly yearly, dramatically influencing the quality of the vintages and the acid taste in wines. The soils of Nantes’Nantes’ vineyards are mainly made up of gneiss, mica schists, and green rocks. They retain little water due to their depth and texture and have good warming capabilities and drainage, which is reflected in the quality of wines. It is at full maturity that the harvest takes place. In 2009, the harvest yielded an average of 19,100,000 litres of wine classified as AOC Muscadet, a significant amount.

Muscadet wine characteristics

Muscadet wine is white and dry, produced entirely from the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety. The wines are made with the excellent care of local winegrowers in an exemplary manner. The juice of grapes stays for 48 hours in the reception tank to extract the must, to leave only the mud. The fermentation lasts 3 to 4 weeks and starts naturally when the clear juices are transferred to winemaking tanks maintained at a temperature below 20 °C. Once the alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wines can claim to mention “on lees” if they rested on their fine lees, up to 14 months maximum, or more for exceptional cuvées, and that they have passed only one winter in vats. As a result, this fermentation process makes Muscadet a complex wine with a beautiful volume in the mouth. The aromas of citrus, like lemon or lime and crispy green apple, are fresh and know how to pair perfectly with crustaceans and local seafood. Muscadet white wine is highly acidic and has a creamy texture and pale-yellow colour with green highlights. It is best served chilled, like at 9° – 11 °C. The ageing potential of wines is 1 to 2 years. 

Food to pair with Muscadet wine

Moules marinées

Moules marinées or Moules-Frites is a typical French dish of mussels, traditionally garnished with French fries. Mussels are cooked in a sauce made from white wine, lemon juice, shallots, parsley, garlic, and butter. Moules marinées is a dish often found on menus of restaurants worldwide because they are easy to make and can be served with many types of sauces, like creamy white sauce and tomato sauce with parsley or cooked in their juices with white wine and seasoning. This dish is, however, incomplete without a glass of white wine, and Muscadet wine is the perfect match, like for any seafood.

Oysters

Oysters are a delicacy and popular food in many countries, especially France. Oyster is a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. It is rich in vitamin B12, zinc, iron and other nutrients. Oysters can be eaten raw with lemon juice, bread, and butter or cooked. They are also used to make soups or sauces. In any way, it goes exceptionally well with white wine and not only that, the white wine or champagne is simply the complement to this food.

Tarte à l’oignon

Tarte à l’oignon is a French dish composed of onion, eggs, flour, cream, bacon, salt, and pepper. It is one of the most popular dishes in France. It has been around since the 18th century. Some chefs argue that Tarte à l’oignon was accidentally created when an onion was left in the oven too long and turned into a tart; it is another variant of the famous Quiche Lorraine. After backing, this savoury custard tart is topped with grated cheese or anchovies. Like every hearty, creamy, cheesy dish with smoked bacon accents, Tarte à l’oignonl’oignon is also fantastic to savour with a glass of white wine.

Places to go near Muscadet wine appellation

La Réserve Naturelle du Lac de Grand-Lieu

La Réserve Naturelle du Lac de Grand-Lieu is the largest wetland in Europe. It was established on the site of an old lake, which was created by damming a river. The reserve is split into two parts: la marine and le lac. The lake is home to many birds, including flamingos, spoonbills, and rare plants. Grand-Lieu is the largest lake in France and one of the country’s most important natural sites. The Réserve Naturelle du Lac de Grand-Lieu offers visitors several recreational activities.

City of Nantes 

Nantes is a city with a rich history and culture. Romans founded it in the first century AD at the mouth of the Loire River, which flows through it. It became an influential trading centre during medieval times before becoming an industrial centre during the 19th century.

Nantes is known for its universities, large student population, cultural diversity and gastronomy. It’s a popular tourist destination, with many people visiting the city for its historical sites, museums of fine arts, and landmarks. So this is a city not to be missed out, moreover if you are in the region, a few kilometres from there. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Muscadet wine appellation