Loire Valley Pt 4 - Pays Nantais

Question 1

What is the topography and aspects of the vineyards of Pays Nantais?

Answer 1

Vineyards are generally flat, slightly south-facing and within 6- 60ml/10-90km of the Atlantic.

Question 2

Describe the climate of Pays Nantais.

Answer 2

Spring - cool and damp and often cloudy;
Summer - Warm and sunny with occasional rainstorms;
Autumn - warm and mild;
Winter - mild and damp

Question 3

What is the climate of Pays Nantais?

Answer 3

It has a pure maritime climate. Its vineyards are heavily influenced by the ocean winds which moderate temperatures but bring regular rainfall.

Question 4

What are the climate hazards of Pays Nantais?

Answer 4

April frosts;
Summer rainfall and humidity which can cause rot and mildew

Question 5

When does budbreak and harvest occur in Pays Nantais?

Answer 5

This area has budbreak first in the Loire and is first to harvest.

Question 6

Which two rivers bisect Pays Nantais?

Answer 6

The Sevre and the Maine.

Question 7

What are the soils of Pays Nantais?

Answer 7

As it is a part of the Massif Amoricain, it has soils derived from volcanic, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Predominantly gneiss and mica schist. Highly pororus.

Question 8

Why are highly porous soils an advantage in Pays Nantais?

Answer 8

Given the flat topography, humidity of the seashore, a large and high subterranean water table, many river systems and high rainfall it is essential. Otherwise the vines would be high yielding with little extract.

Question 9

Where is Muscadet AOC located?

Answer 9

The sub-regional Muscadet AOC covers the entire growing region. The three smaller Muscadet AOCs fit within it.

Question 10

What are the white grapes of Muscadet?

Answer 10

Melon de Bourgogne (75% of planting).
Also Chardonnay, Folle Blanche, Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Montils and Sauvignon Blanc

Question 11

What are the Rose/Gris grapes of Muscadet?

Answer 11

Pinot Gris in Ancenis. Grolleau Gris in Fief Vendeens

Question 12

What are the Red grapes of Muscadet?

Answer 12

Gamay in Ancenis Aoc.
Also Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Negrette and Pinot Noir

Question 13

Name the four principal appellations of Muscadet.

Answer 13

Muscadet AOC (LARGEST);
Muscadet Sevre et Maine;
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire (SMALLEST);
Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu.

Question 14

Which Muscadet AOC produces the most wine?

Answer 14

Although Muscadet AOC is geographically larger, it only produces 20%. Muscadet de Sevre et Maine produces 75% of all AOC Muscadet wine.

Question 15

When was Muscadet AOC awarded? For which styles? Which grapes?

Answer 15

Awarded 1937 for Dry White only. White (P): Melon de Bourgogne; (S) Chardonnay

Question 16

What type of grapes are used in Muscadet wine?

Answer 16

Until 2021 it had to be 100% Melon de Bourgon/Melon Blanc to use Muscadet on label. However now up to 10% Chardonnay is permitted.

Question 17

What change was effected in 2020 for Muscadet AOC?

Answer 17

As of 2020 it can no longer produce “sur lie” wines.

Question 18

When was Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC awarded? For which styles? Which grapes?

Answer 18

Awarded in 1936 for dry white made from 100% Melon de Bourgogne.(only authorised grape)

Question 19

How much of Sevre et Maine production is ‘sur lie’?

Answer 19

About 90%.

Question 20

What is the maximum ABV for Muscadet?

Answer 20

12% ABV

Question 21

How many DGCs are there in Sevre et Maine?

Answer 21

Nine

Question 22

List the DGCs of Sevre et Maine.

Answer 22

Chateau-Thibaud, Clisson, Gorges, Goulaine, Monnieres-St-Fiacre, Mouzillon-Tillieres, Le Pallet, Vallet and La Haye-Fouassiere.

Question 23

How do the DGC wines differ from Sevre et Maine?

Answer 23

They have higher ABV and lower yields. They have longer minimum sur lie ageing THEREFORE MAY NOT PUT SUR LIE ON LABEL.

Question 24

What does “sur lie” mean and what effect does it have on wine? What is “batonnage”.

Answer 24

The dead yeast cells are allowed to drop to the bottom of the wine vessel. They are stirred regularly (batonnage) to add body and develop flavours of Bread / biscuit.

Question 25

What is the law on “sur lie” labelling in Muscadet?

Answer 25

The wine must be bottled in cellar between March 1st and December 31st of the year following harvest. Any longer period, such as in DGCs, means the term cannot be used.

Question 26

When was Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC awarded? For which styles? Which grapes?

Answer 26

Awarded in 1936 for dry white made from 100% Melon de Bourgogne.(only authorised grape)

Question 27

Where is Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC located?

Answer 27

It is northeast of Nantes. Vineyards are on both sides of the Loire on hillsides. It is the furthest from the Atlantic.

Question 28

When was Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC awarded? For which styles? Which grapes?

Answer 28

Awarded in 1994 for dry white made from 100% Melon de Bourgogne.(only authorised grape)

Question 29

What are the other three less known AOCs of Pays Nantais?

Answer 29

Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC - 1954;
Coteaux d’Ancenis AOC - 1954;
Fiefs Vendeens AOC - 1984

Question 30

What is a synonm for Pinot Gris in Pays Nantais?

Answer 30

Malvoisie

Question 31

What is a synonm for Folle Blanche in Pays Nantais?

Answer 31

Gros Plant - (Big plant) as it is vigorous and high yielding.