Nantes and its wines

Nantes, in the far west of the Loire Valley, is the heart of the wine district of the Muscadet, famous all over the world for its dry, saline, fresh white wines produced mainly from Melon de Bourgogne.
This area, strongly influenced by theAtlantic Ocean, boasts a a mild oceanic climate, with frequent rain and sea breezes, and soils varied: granite, gneiss, mica schist and sands that give the wines a mineral profile and great drinkability.

The planted area extends to the south and east of the city of Nantes, along the rivers Loire, Sèvre Nantaise e Maine, and is home to some of the the most important AOCs for French Atlantic whites.

What is the Nantes wine district?

The area of Nantes takes in several AOC appellations:

• Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine AOC (the most renowned, with geographical mentions such as Clisson, Gorges, Le Pallet)

• Muscadet AOC

• Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC

• Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC

• Coteaux d’Ancenis AOC (also reds and rosés)

Almost all the production is geared towards dry white wines, often aged sur lie to add roundness, structure and slightly autolytic notes.

Characteristics of the Wines of the Nantes Area

Colour

• Pale straw yellow, with greenish highlights in the young wines.

Aromas

• Fruity: Green apple, citrus, pear.

• Floral: White flowers, hawthorn.

• Mineral and Marine: Wet stone, sea salt, yeast in the sur lie wines.

Palate

• Fresh and Taut: Bright acidity, light structure.

• Saline and Dry: A pure expression of the grape variety and of the terroir.

• Round (sur lie): Softer, with a savoury, persistent finish.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Nantes area

White Grape

• Melon de Bourgogne: The leading grape variety of Muscadet, fresh and mineral.

• Folle Blanche: For Gros Plant, very acidic and lively.

• Chardonnay and Sauvignon: Permitted only in the IGPs.

Black Grape (to a lesser extent)

• Gamay: For the reds and rosés of Coteaux d’Ancenis.

• Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon: In local blends.

Why choose a wine from the Nantes area?

The wines of Nantes are perfect for anyone looking for freshness, minerality and a genuinely maritime profile:

• Muscadet sur lie with oysters, seafood, sushi, ceviche

• Gros Plant as an aperitif or with fried fish

• Coteaux d’Ancenis rosés ideal with cured meats and summer cooking

• Excellent value for money and great versatility at the table