AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

The Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation lies southeast of Nantes, in the Nantes vineyard area, on either side of the valleys of the Sèvre Nantaise and the Maine, two tributaries of the Loire. It is the largest of the Muscadet appellations, both in vineyard surface and in volume produced. Its bedrock is of crystalline origin, made up of gneiss, orthogneiss, granite, mica schist and green rocks such as gabbro, giving Melon de Bourgogne, the sole authorised grape variety, a wide range of expressions depending on the parent rock. The climate here is oceanic and temperate. The appellation stands apart from the other Muscadet appellations through the size of its vineyard and through the recognition, within several villages, of complementary geographical denominations that highlight specific terroirs.

Grape varieties: Vins blancs secs : muscadet

The wines of this appellation

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie produces still, dry white wines made from the sole grape variety Melon de Bourgogne. Their colour is pale gold with green highlights. Kept on their fine lees until bottling, without racking, the wines gain texture and sometimes retain a slight natural prickle. The nose shows citrus, green apple and white flowers, along with iodised and flinty notes and a touch of brioche brought by lees ageing. On the palate, the acidity is lively and the structure fine and saline, with good length on the finish. Drunk young, they offer great freshness; the best vintages gain roundness and complexity after a few years of cellaring. They pair with oysters, shellfish, grilled or sauced fish, and fresh goat cheese.