Crus du Muscadet

Production Specifications for AOP Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

The ‘Communal’ label, authorised for use by Clisson, Gorges and Le Pallet is based on detailed  geological  and   organoleptic  analysis and strict production specifications. Yields are limited to 45 hl per hectare and regulations stipulate that vines must be at least 6 years old. Grapes must reach a high level of natural ripeness (at least 11-12°) and lees aging must last a minimum of 17 months.

The  regulations  were  formulated  in  the   1990s and put into practice in 2001,  formalising, to a certain extent, the natural conditions found in the vineyard. “I watched as my parents vinified and bottled this parcel separately,” says one Le Pallet winemaker, “The one now categorised as a cru. It always made a very special wine.” These  natural  conditions  are chiefly based on  geology,  and  are  expressed in the wines grown here. The Muscadet Crus   Communaux are made for cellaring;  they can be enjoyed whilst young, but improve with age. Lengthy lees-aging  makes them ‘good to  go’ from the moment of purchase, but they will happily spend another 10,15, or even 20 years in the cellar to gain greater complexity.

MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE CLISSON

AOP/AOC by decree dated 9th November 2011

Location: Clisson and the southern parts of  Sèvre et Maine.
This “mini Venice” lies along a granite fault in the Massif Armoricain. Soils are a mix of gravel and rounded pebbles, promoting natural drainage and encouraging roots to reach deep down into the earth. Wines produced here require a lengthy period of aging – at least 24 months – to develop their characteristic rich flavors of candied fruit, dried fruit and quince.

MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE GORGES

AOP/AOC by decree dated 9th November 2011.

Location:
Primarily in Gorges.
This appellation lies on both sides of the Sèvre, on altered gabbro, quartz and clay soils. In the 1990s, it was one of the first crus to introduce the specific growing and production conditions required to improve the aging potential of its wines. The wines produced here require over two years’ aging on lees before they can fully express their complexity, finesse, intense minerality and characteristic smokiness.

 

MUSCADET SEVRE ET MAINE LE PALLET

AOP/AOC by decree dated 9th November 2011.

Location:
Primarily Le Pallet.
This cru from the right bank of the Sèvre is distinctive for its warm, early-ripening terroir. Soils are shallow and stony, on a bed of gneiss (metamorphic rock) and slightly altered gabbro; the subsoil is sufficiently fractured to allow the vines to take root. Wines here need a minimum of 17 months’ aging to develop their elegant aromas with hints of fruit and florals.

7 OTHER DENOMINATIONS ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING RECOGNITION. THESE ARE:

• Château-Thébaud,
• La Haye-Fouassière,
• Goulaine,
• Monnières-Saint-Fiacre,
• Mouzillon Tillières,
• Champtoceaux.