Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire

AOP/AOC par décret original du 14 novembre 1936, modifié le 14 novembre 2011

Vineyard

Location Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire lies in the Ancenis region, on both banks of the Loire upstream from Nantes

Vineyard area 160 ha.

Soils A varied structure of igneous and metamorphic rock from the Massif Armoricain, composed mainly of gneiss, mica schists, and smaller quantities of green-stone and granite.

Climate A temperate oceanic climate, with precipitation evenly spread throughout the year. There are variations in climate from one end of the region to the other caused by the varying distances from the coast, the Loire or other expanses of water.

 

Wine

Average annual production over the last 5 years 6,500 hl.

Base yield 55 hl/ha.

Varietal Melon de Bourgogne.

Growing practices Planting density: 6,500 vines per hectare. Pruning: Single guyot to 10 buds

Aging Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire is authorised to use the term ‘sur lie’

Tasting Notes

Aging these wines on their lees gives them added suppleness.

Aged this way, young Muscadet wines show a distinctive freshness and light sparkle, while more robust, full-bodied wines have an edge of gunflint.

Serve at: 9 – 11°C

Food Pairings

A good aperitif; pairs well with grilled fish or fish in sauce, particularly the iconic Nantes beurre blanc; or serve with chicken dishes in sauce or goat’s cheese.