Pay Nantais Flashcards
Describe the climate in Pays Nantais.
Cool maritime climate: cool springs, warm, humid summers
What two weather hazards are a threat in Pays Nantais?
Rain: March and April affects flowering, September affects harvest
Frost
What canopy management techniques are typically used in Muscadet and why?
- Canopies are more open (better ventilation and facilitates ripeness)
- Leaf removal (avoids shading to ensure maximum sun exposure whilst making sure fruit is not sunburnt, aids aeration and prevents fungal disease)
Canopy management is important in Pays Nantais as it has a marginal climate for ripeness.
Describe the nature of the soils generally found in Muscadet.
Predominantly well drained soils help to offset regular rainfall
Name the four main Muscadet AOCs
Muscadet AOC
Muscadet de Sèvre et Main AOC
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC
What is the main grape variety in Muscadet?
Which other variety is commonly grown?
Melon de Bourgogne
Folle Blanche
Describe the 4 positive characteristics of Melon de Bourgogne which make it well suited to Muscadet’s growing environment.
- Hardy: suited to cooler climate
- Early ripening: reduces the risk of rain at harvest
- Productive: good for volume production
- Resistance to powdery mildew
Describe the 3 negative characteristics of Melon de Bourgogne which Muscadet’s growing environment a challenge for the vines.
- Early budding: prone to spring frost
- Prone to downy mildew: thrives in humid climates
- Prone to botrytis bunch rot: thrives in humid climates
Give a typical tasting note for a wine made from Melon de Bourgogne.
Low aromatic intensity Green apple High acidity Light body Low to high alcohol Often made sur lie
As of 2018, up to 10% of which grape was permitted to be added to Muscadet AOC?
Chardonnay
What do producers pay attention to in Muscadet when determining harvest dates?
Why might this be problematic?
Ripeness of skins and pips
The danger is that in hot years sugar levels may reach unacceptably high levels before skins and pips are ripe
What is the permitted maximum yield for the following AOCs?
Muscadet AOC
Muscadet de Sèvre et Main AOC
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC
Muscadet AOC: 70hl/ha
Muscadet de Sèvre et Main AOC, Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC, Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC:
All 55hl/ha
Is chaptalisation permitted in Muscadet?
Yes - permitted up to 12% ABV and is practiced in cooler years
What fermentation vessels are typically used in Muscadet?
Traditionally large, shallow underground glass-lined concrete vats
Stainless steel is also used
Is malolactic conversion typically practiced in Muscadet?
No - aim is to preserve and promote primary fruit flavours / aromas
What techniques are being experimented with by producers in Muscadet?
Why?
Experimental producers may use skin contact, fermentation in barrel, amphorae or concrete eggs
Seeking to reposition the region for quality wines
Describe the process of making “Sur Lie” wines after alcoholic fermentation has been completed in Muscadet.
One racking is allowed to remove the gross lees
Wine then remains on fine lees through the following winter until bottling
What effect does ageing on lees have on Muscadet wines?
Adds body and texture
Retains freshness of the wine
May retain a small amount of carbon dioxide, giving a slight spritz
When can “Sur Lie” wines from Muscadet be bottled?
March - November the year following the harvest
How many Cru Communeaux are there in Muscadet?
Name the main three.
Ten
Clisson
Gorges
Le Pallet
What is the maximum yield for wines from Muscadet’s Cru Communeaux?
45hl/ha
Specify the minimum amount of time that wines from the following Cru Communeaux must spend on lees before release:
Le Pallet
Clisson
Gorges
Le Pallet: 18 months
Clisson & Gorges: 24 months
Why are Muscadet Cru Communeaux not labelled “Sur Lie”?
They are bottled after the date required for “sur lie” as they are aged for longer
How do the Muscadet Cru Communeaux wines generally compare to those from the other AOCs?
- Lower yields, therefore more concentrated
- More time on lees: more complex with more body
- Longer finish
How would the name of a Muscadet Cru Communeaux appear on the label?
Appended to the main AOC
e.g. Muscadet de Sèvre et Main AOC Clisson
What percentage of Muscadet is exported?
17%
What type of wine business dominates in Muscadet?
Negociants; these account for half of all sales
What are the three main negociant companies in Muscadet?
Castel
Grand Chais de France
Ackerman
What led to a fall in production and sales of Muscadet in 1991?
Frost
In the 80s, Muscadet was very popular in Britain, but the frost in 1991 saw production drop by 2/3s. This consequently pushed prices up at a time when cheaper new world wines hit the market, and Muscadet’s popularity consequently fell.
