Muscadet is a French white wine made in the valley of the Loire River, around the town of Nantes in the Pays de la Loire region, near the Atlantic Ocean. They are exclusively made with Melon de Bourgogne variety. Muscadet wines are fresh and crisp, often with a distinctive saline character.
Fruit aromas are usually absent, although it sometimes has a touch of citrus or apples. In the past, they were often underestimated and mostly regarded as approachable, easy-drinking wines that are meant to be enjoyed young. However, some producers have slowly oriented towards smaller production and improvement in quality.
New strategies tend to create wines with more complexity and finesse. The best examples follow traditional techniques. Most of them are aged on lees (sur lie label)—they mature on yeast particles left from the fermentation process. Read more
These examples will display the best of the region, wines with a creamy and rich texture that attain roundness and depth. It should be noted that some producers don’t use the designation, although the wines could qualify as sur lie.
The region is divided into three sub appellations, Muscadet-Coteaux de la Loire, Muscadet-Côtes de Grandlieu, and as the most important Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine, which was established in 1936. It also includes ten cru locations, each having a distinctive terroir-driven character.
Oysters are the most common pairing with Muscadet, but these intriguing Loire wines can pair with most seafood, snacks, and cheese.
