Loire

This appellation is located on the lower Loire river in the Pays Nantais region in France. The appellation was classified in 1936, it has a total vineyard area of 14.000 hectares, and applies to a dry white wine made from the white variety Melon de Bourgogne (known here as Muscadet). Four geographically separate appellations were created in 1995. They are Muscadet (2.270 ha), Muscadet Côtes de Grand Lieu (400 ha), Muscadet des Coteaux de la Loire sur lie (330 ha) and Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine (11.000 ha). The wine is sometimes described as the „white answer to Burgundy’s Beaujolais“. The sur lie production method (keeping the wine on the yeast – see under yeast maturation) is subject to strict controls. The wines may only be matured for one winter in tanks or barrels, and must still have been on the lees in the fermentation cellar at the time of bottling. Bottling may not be done before March, and only at specified times, with sales only permitted as of the third Thursday in March. This ensures the wine, which is rather neutral, and low in alcohol as well as acidity, is fresh and develops some complexity of taste. The designation „sur lie“ may only be stated on the labels of the three more highly rated appellations (not for the AC Muscadet). Well-known producers from all appellations include Domaine de Beauregard, Domaine de la Chambaudière, Bruno Cormerai, Domaine Guindon, Domaine de la Haute Févrie, Domaine du Haut Fresne, Marquis de Goulaine; Chateau de la Preuille and Domaine du Paradis.