Bottling can take place only in two set periods: the first of March to the end of June (80% takes place during this time) or the fifteenth of October to the end of November to avoid bottling in the warm summer months.
Other Restrictions:
1. Wine may only be sold after the third Thursday in March following the harvest.
2. Sur lie wine may only be bottled in the cellar where it was made.
3. Negotiants either buy grapes or must or take mobile bottling lines to the cellars of the producers from whom they buy.
Other Appellations within the Muscadet AOC
Muscadet des Coteaux de la Loire AOC is northerly with chalky soils. In hot years, wines can be more balanced than elsewhere. Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC is a new appellation that received its designation in the mid-1990’s.
Other VDQS regions in the Vin du Pays Nantais:
1. Coteaux d’Ancenis
Named for its city, lying between Nantes and Angers, the region produces reds and medium-sweet whites named for their varietal. Red varietals include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gamay. Whites include Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris.
2. Fiefs Vendeens
This appellation is located south of Nantes. Vineyards must be planted with at least 50% Gamay and Pinot Noir plus Negrette, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Maximum amount of Gamay permitted is 15%. These percentages apply only to planting and not final blends.
3. Gros Plant Nantais
The grapes grown in this appellation are actually Gros Plant, or Folle Blanche, the same wine used as a base for Cognac and Armagnac.
Tasting Notes
Muscadet Sur Lie, Hautes Noelles (Serge Batard) 2006
Ripe, concentrated, explosively flavorful dry white wine with searing acidity. Proprietor Serge Batard crafts staggeringly intense Muscadet that displays all the zingy acidity and palpable minerality you’d expect from this seaside appellation. Prolonged lees aging and bottling without racking give the wines extra texture and richness. Hand Harvested.
Muscadet Sur Lie “Les Granges” Hautes Noelles (S. Batard) 2006
This is a selection of Serge Batard’s best parcel of old Muscadet vines. It is only two hectares in size and yields few grapes of top quality, with annual production averaging 650 cases. Clear, pale wine with searingly high acidity and a high mineral content.
Top Producers
- Pierre Luneau-Papin
- Domaine de l’Ecu
- Louis Metaireau
- Chereau-Carre
- Chateau du Cleray
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