Pay Nantais

Question 1

Describe the climate in Pays Nantais.

Answer 1

Cool maritime climate: cool springs, warm, humid summers

Question 2

What two weather hazards are a threat in Pays Nantais?

Answer 2

Rain: March and April affects flowering, September affects harvest

Frost

Question 3

What canopy management techniques are typically used in Muscadet and why?

Answer 3

• 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.

Question 4

Describe the nature of the soils generally found in Muscadet.

Answer 4

Predominantly well drained soils help to offset regular rainfall

Question 5

Name the four main Muscadet AOCs

Answer 5

Muscadet AOC
Muscadet de Sèvre et Main AOC
Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC
Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC

Question 6

What is the main grape variety in Muscadet?

Which other variety is commonly grown?

Answer 6

Melon de Bourgogne

Folle Blanche

Question 7

Describe the 4 positive characteristics of Melon de Bourgogne which make it well suited to Muscadet’s growing environment.

Answer 7

• Hardy: suited to cooler climate
• Early ripening: reduces the risk of rain at harvest
• Productive: good for volume production
• Resistance to powdery mildew

Question 8

Describe the 3 negative characteristics of Melon de Bourgogne which Muscadet’s growing environment a challenge for the vines.

Answer 8

• Early budding: prone to spring frost
• Prone to downy mildew: thrives in humid climates
• Prone to botrytis bunch rot: thrives in humid climates

Question 9

Give a typical tasting note for a wine made from Melon de Bourgogne.

Answer 9

Low aromatic intensity
Green apple
High acidity
Light body
Low to high alcohol
Often made sur lie

Question 10

As of 2018, up to 10% of which grape was permitted to be added to Muscadet AOC?

Answer 10

Chardonnay

Question 11

What do producers pay attention to in Muscadet when determining harvest dates?

Why might this be problematic?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Muscadet AOC: 70hl/ha

Muscadet de Sèvre et Main AOC, Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC, Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC:

All 55hl/ha

Question 13

Is chaptalisation permitted in Muscadet?

Answer 13

Yes - permitted up to 12% ABV and is practiced in cooler years

Question 14

What fermentation vessels are typically used in Muscadet?

Answer 14

Traditionally large, shallow underground glass-lined concrete vats

Stainless steel is also used

Question 15

Is malolactic conversion typically practiced in Muscadet?

Answer 15

No - aim is to preserve and promote primary fruit flavours / aromas

Question 16

What techniques are being experimented with by producers in Muscadet?

Why?

Answer 16

Experimental producers may use skin contact, fermentation in barrel, amphorae or concrete eggs

Seeking to reposition the region for quality wines

Question 17

Describe the process of making “Sur Lie” wines after alcoholic fermentation has been completed in Muscadet.

Answer 17

One racking is allowed to remove the gross lees

Wine then remains on fine lees through the following winter until bottling

Question 18

What effect does ageing on lees have on Muscadet wines?

Answer 18

Adds body and texture

Retains freshness of the wine

May retain a small amount of carbon dioxide, giving a slight spritz

Question 19

When can “Sur Lie” wines from Muscadet be bottled?

Answer 19

March - November the year following the harvest

Question 20

How many Cru Communeaux are there in Muscadet?

Name the main three.

Answer 20

Ten

Clisson
Gorges
Le Pallet

Question 21

What is the maximum yield for wines from Muscadet’s Cru Communeaux?

Answer 21

45hl/ha

Question 22

Specify the minimum amount of time that wines from the following Cru Communeaux must spend on lees before release:

Le Pallet
Clisson
Gorges

Answer 22

Le Pallet: 18 months

Clisson & Gorges: 24 months

Question 23

Why are Muscadet Cru Communeaux not labelled “Sur Lie”?

Answer 23

They are bottled after the date required for “sur lie” as they are aged for longer

Question 24

How do the Muscadet Cru Communeaux wines generally compare to those from the other AOCs?

Answer 24

• Lower yields, therefore more concentrated
• More time on lees: more complex with more body
• Longer finish

Question 25

How would the name of a Muscadet Cru Communeaux appear on the label?

Answer 25

Appended to the main AOC

e.g. Muscadet de Sèvre et Main AOC Clisson

Question 26

What percentage of Muscadet is exported?

Answer 26

17%

Question 27

What type of wine business dominates in Muscadet?

Answer 27

Negociants; these account for half of all sales

Question 28

What are the three main negociant companies in Muscadet?

Answer 28

Castel
Grand Chais de France
Ackerman

Question 29

What led to a fall in production and sales of Muscadet in 1991?

Answer 29

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.