Pays Nantais Wine Region

Pays Nantais is a sub-region of Loire Valley wine region in France with a vast assortment of wines widely known for their quality, distinction, and class. The style of all their wines is quite different from one another due to the different soils of the area, the selection of grape varieties, and the production process itself. These elements are unique to the French wine industry and help to shape the distinctive tastes found only in this region of France. Pays Nantais wines are crisp and light white wines produced mainly from the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety, which is typical to the region. Therefore, it is an authentic paradise to discover for white wine lovers.

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Where is the Pays Nantais wine region located?

The Pays Nantais belongs to the wine region of Loire Valley, western France. Its vineyards sit on the Atlantic coast of Brittany, near the city of Nantes, stretching the whole area from the coast to Anjou, a neighbouring wine appellation. Touraine, Centre-Loire and Anjou-Saumur are other prominent sub-regions to the proximity to Pays Nantais wine appellation. The appellation area makes 90 kilometres, as shown on the Pays Nantais wine map, and the Loire river crosses the sub-region while entering the sea.

The history of Pays Nantais wine region

Since the Roman era, the Pays Nantais wine region has been producing wine, but red grape varieties were predominant then. Dutch merchants demanded the cultivation of white wine grapes suitable for distilling during the 1600s, and growers responded accordingly. Among the planted varieties brought to the area from Burgundy was Melon; thus, this grape was named Melon de Bourgogne. The severe frost of 1709 also contributed to the reason Melon de Bourgogne became the main grape variety, as almost all vines, especially red, were devastated, and almost all the vineyards shifted to planting white varieties afterwards.

The terroir of the Pays Nantais wine region

The soil in the Pays Nantais wine region claims to be rocky, and it is based on pyrogenous and metamorphic rocks of the Amorican Structure containing gneiss, meaning they are likely to have a mix of micaschist, greenstone, and granite. The soil is also fast-draining, ensuring the lightness and mineral taste of wine. The overall climate in the region is maritime, stipulated by the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Summer in this area is usually hot and humid. The summers have an average of 2,000 hours of sunlight. Temperatures are mild year-round, so there is no actual seasonality; with an average of 20ºC, the coldest temperature tends to be 6 °C. Pays Nantais has a total average of 788 mm of rainfall each year. The comparably wet month is January, when the region gets an average of 100 mm of rainfall. 

Pays Nantais wine characteristics

The Pays Nantais wines are principally white, produced from the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety, and the most famous wine is Muscadet. The Melon de Bourgogne tends to be quite acidic and ripens early, so the grapes are harvested in mid-September, this variety is not very flavourful, but with the proper care of winemakers, it develops at its best. The acidity of Melon de Bourgogne is reflected in its freshness and crispiness, as well as in the notes of citrus. Conditioned by the proximity to the Ocean, the wines tend to be mineral and have a slight saltiness, which is delightfully revealed when pairing them with food, especially fish or shellfish. Other grape varieties authorized in the appellation are Chenin Blanc, Folle Blanche and Pinot Gris for white wines and Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds. These grapes have a distinctive taste and completely different cultivation processes, making the region’s wines diverse and exciting. However, they solely represent 2% of the whole production, but still, if you are not a fan of Muscadet white wine, there is something else. 

Food to pair with Pays Nantais wine

Saint-Jacques à la Bretonne

Saint-Jacques à la Bretonne is a popular dish in France. This scallop is made with white wine and garlic, which gives it a sour and savoury flavour profile. One of the most common ways to cook this dish is by cooking the scallops with butter and heavy cream. First, the garlic, shallots, and onions are sautéed with butter, white wine is added gradually, then scallops and breadcrumbs soaked in milk are added. It is topped with fresh parsley and black pepper for the final touch. This dish is the best to pair with a fine glass of Muscadet to feel the abundance of your meal.

Oysters

Oysters are a popular seafood dish usually served as an appetizer or a starter. They can be eaten raw with lemon juice, cooked or in a cocktail sauce. The pairing of oysters with dry white wine is French-style. The French believe that oysters can help improve digestion and alleviate bloating. Indeed, It’s a great idea to pair oysters with Pays Nantais wine as it will enhance the flavour of the oysters, and the dish will be more light and refreshing.

Goat cheese and rocket salad

This salad is made with rocket leaves, goat cheese, walnuts and vinaigrette dressing in olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. The recipe can be customized by adding figs or tomatoes and red onions. It is a very simple yet delicious salad that can be eaten as a light lunch or dinner. Goat cheese is a type of soft cheese produced from the milk of goats; its creamy texture, earthy flavours of rocket and acidity of the vinegar, makes this dish an excellent accompaniment for Pay Nantais wine.

Places to visit in Pays Nantais wine region

La Réserve Naturelle du Lac de Grand-Lieu

La réserve Naturelle du Lac de Grand-Lieu is a nature reserve in France. It is one of the largest wetlands in Europe. The reserve was established on the site of an old lake, which was created by damming a river. The lake is home to many water bird species, including flamingos, spoonbills, and rare plants such as reeds and lotuses. The Réserve Naturelle du Lac de Grand-Lieu is the largest lake and one of France’s most important natural sites that offers visitors a unique experience.

Planète Sauvage

The Planète Sauvage is a zoological garden in Nantes, France. The Planete Sauvage is now one of the largest zoos in Europe, with over 3,000 animals representing 500 species. The zoo is home to the rarest species, including the ones of gorillas and chimpanzees. The mission of this park is to guarantee animal welfare while making it available for people to visit them in their natural habitat. The park is entirely dedicated to the proper care of all the species of animals, their raising, and accessibility to all their needs. Therefore, it is a great place to go for a fun safari experience; moreover, if you are in the region, you should not miss it.

Ville de Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful city with lots of things to do and see. It has a rich history, is famous for its food, and is also the home of the largest commercial port in France. In addition, Nantes is known for its rich architectural heritage, with many buildings from different eras, from Romanesque to Art Deco, making it one of the most aesthetical cities in France. It is the capital and largest city of the Loire-Atlantique department and of the Pays de la Loire region, and the closest one to the Pays Nantais wine appellation. Hence, it is an excellent idea to do a day tour in Nantes for an unforgettable cultural experience if you are in the region, as it will not take you more than 30 minutes to drive to get there.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pays Nantais wine region