Maybe you know Muscat, one of the best sweet varietals
around the world. Maybe you know Muscadelle a common Bordeaux white varietal. But
how about Muscadet, it sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Have you ever tasted this
light white wine from West Loire Valley? Today we will introduce this beautiful
wine region: Muscadet.
Muscadet is located around the biggest city in the
northwest of France, it is separated by 4 different appellations, one is at the
upper side of Loire Valley, the others are at the under side. There is 13,000
hectares (32,000 acres) of vineyard but only one grape variety: Melon de Bourgogne.
As its name suggests, this grape variety is come from
Burgundy, it almost disappeared there after the phylloxera crisis. However, it
regained a new life in the region of Pays de la Loire. Because Melon de
Bourgogne can easily adapt to the maritime climate of this region, and resist to
the frost in winter and early spring time.
Soil:
In Muscadet, there are three major soils: Granit –
Micaschiste – Gneiss. These soils have a good ability of drainage, especially
in the humid maritime climate region.
Sur lie:
Melon de Bourgogne is a relatively neutral and simple
varietal, in order to get more flavors and complexity, winemakers in Muscadet
use a technique called “sur lie”. Generally speaking, the white wine is aging
in the oak with in the dead yeast cells which is left after fermentation.
Food Matching:
Muscadet matches very well with light sea food, like:
Fresh oyster
Spaghetti with Clams and Crispy Bread Crumbs
Swordfish with rice
Rounded Sardine with Conch
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