Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The subsoil is composed essentially of metamorphic rocks, predominantly micaschists, with more gneiss to the west and schists to the east.
• These weathered rocks carry shallow brown soils with a high proportion of coarse material (sands or gravels), naturally well-drained and quick to warm in spring. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

• The Melon de Bourgogne variety became established in the region during the sixteenth century and has been known there by the name "Muscadet" since the mid-seventeenth century.
• Winemaking according to the "méthode nantaise" involves keeping the wines on their fine lees for at least one winter without any racking, contributing roundness and body through enrichment in mannoproteins released by yeast autolysis.

• The wines show delicate aromas, often predominantly floral, with sometimes a few mineral notes, and a palate balance generally oriented toward freshness.
• Wines aged on lees generally show a palate balance oriented more toward roundness, a more complex nose, and may display a slight spritz owing to residual carbon dioxide.

• The coarse, shallow soils over metamorphic rock allow deep root penetration by the vines, promoting a gradual water supply that supports even berry ripening in Melon de Bourgogne.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF), JORF 19 octobre 2019
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — InterLoire