Muscat de Lunel
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Mediterranean climate: average annual temperature of 14 °C, under 700 mm of rainfall per year, with precipitation concentrated in spring and autumn.
- Violent flooding of the Vidourle river (known as 'Vidourlades') during heavy autumn rains; the Vidourle valley forms the eastern boundary of the appellation.
- Two characteristic winds: the Mistral (from the north-east, desiccating in summer) and the 'vent d'Aigues-Mortes' (a sea breeze that tempers summer heat).
- Vineyards on gently sloping hillsides between Montpellier and Nîmes, restricted to four communes: Lunel, Lunel-Viel, Saturargues, and Vérargues. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Human factors
- The fortification process using grape spirit, pioneered by Arnau de Vilanova (1238–1311), gradually transformed naturally sweet wine into vin doux naturel from the 14th century onwards.
- In the 16th century, Muscat à petits grains B dominated the vineyard; Thomas Jefferson noted in 1787 that 'the white wine is the finest.'
Product characteristics
- Young wines: fresh Muscat aromas, citrus and lemon notes, full and rich on the palate with a refreshing finish.
- With age: an amber-tinged appearance, aromas of candied fruit, and a notably unctuous texture.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.