Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Pronounced relief on the Loire hillsides, with slopes regularly ranging between 5% and 10%.
- Subsoil of metamorphic rocks: micaschist predominating, gneiss to the west, schist to the east.
- The appellation area straddles Loire-Atlantique and Maine-et-Loire, to the east of Nantes, with the principal tributaries: Divatte, Èvre, and Erdre.
Human factors
- The grape variety melon B became established in the 16th century; designated 'Muscadet' from the mid-17th century onwards, it is the sole permitted variety.
- The 'méthode nantaise' consists of keeping the wines on their fine lees without any racking for at least one winter, contributing roundness and body.
Product characteristics
- Dry white wines with floral aromas and mineral notes, oriented towards freshness; extended ageing is possible for greater richness and aging potential.
- The 'sur lie' designation: increased roundness, a more complex bouquet, a slight spritz due to residual CO₂, and protection against oxidation during élevage.
Terroir / wine link
- Coarse soils over metamorphic rock → deep rooting → gradual water uptake → ripeness of melon B
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