Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine

The Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation covers 23 communes south-east of Nantes, and takes its name from the two rivers that cross the vineyards: the Petite Maine and the Sèvre Nantaise. The Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine vineyards cover more than 9,000 hectares and are planted on a wide variety of soils composed of eruptive and metaphorical rocks from the Armorican Massif, mainly gneiss, micaschist, greenstone and, to a lesser extent, granite. The entire vineyard enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with rainfall spread throughout the year. From one end of the vineyard to the other, climatic characteristics are more nuanced. This is due to the greater or lesser distance from the coast, the Loire and other bodies of water. Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine wines were granted AOC status by decree in 1936.

Annual production is 418,000 hectolitres. The grape variety of the appellation is Melon de Bourgogne, or Muscadet. The crystalline rocks southeast of Nantes give it greater finesse than the sedimentary rock areas. It is one of the earliest appellation grape varieties in France. Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine wines are often full-bodied, with good ageing potential depending on the terroir. Among the many producers in the appellation, we'd highlight wines from estates such as Domaine Pierre Luneau Papin, Domaine Brégéon, Domaine Joseph Landron, Domaine de l'Ecu and Domaine de la Pépière.

Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine wines can also benefit from the "Sur Lie" distinction: at the beginning of the century, winegrowers in Nantes used to keep the best barrel of the harvest to celebrate major family events. Kept without racking, this "wedding barrel" gave the wines a special character. They were fresher on the palate and had a fuller bouquet. Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine "Sur Lie" was born.