Muscadet AOC / Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC

Technical Summary

• Classification: AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée)
• Legal status: Protected Designation of Origin under EU wine regulations
• Country: France
• Region: Loire Valley (Pays Nantais)
• Geographic scope: Around the city of Nantes
• Area under vine: ~8,000 hectares
• Core products: Dry white wines

Hierarchy:

1. Muscadet AOC: Regional designation
2. Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC: Premium subzone (~80% production)
3. Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AOC: Lakeside zone
4. Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC: Eastern zone
5. Cru Communaux: Village-level (emerging)

Regulatory Constraints (Verified)

Ampelographic Composition

• Melon de Bourgogne (Melon): 100%

Note: Despite its name, Muscadet has NO relation to Muscat. Melon de Bourgogne is genetically parent of Chardonnay (Gouais Blanc × Pinot).

Yield Limits

Designation	Maximum Yield
Muscadet AOC	70 hl/ha
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine	65 hl/ha
Muscadet sur lie	55 hl/ha
Cru Communaux	45-50 hl/ha

Minimum Alcohol

• All Muscadet: 9.5% ABV minimum
• Typical: 11-12% ABV

Sur Lie Rules (CRITICAL)

Muscadet Sur Lie Requirements:

• Wine must remain on fine lees through winter
• Bottling DIRECTLY from lees (no racking)
• Bottling: March 1 - November 30 following harvest
• No transfer between vessels after November 30
• Slight CO₂ from lees contact permitted

Cru Communaux (Village Designations)

Recognized Crus (stricter rules):

• Clisson, Gorges, Le Pallet
• Goulaine, Monnières-Saint Fiacre
• Mouzillon-Tillières, Château-Thébaud
• Lower yields; extended aging requirements

Enological Implications

Evidence-backed:

• Melon de Bourgogne produces neutral, high-acid wines
• Sur lie aging adds texture, complexity, slight spritz
• Maritime climate preserves acidity
• Granite/gneiss soils contribute minerality

Operational observation:

• Reductive winemaking preserves freshness
• MLF common (softens acidity)
• Temperature-controlled fermentation
• Bottling on lees requires careful timing

Sur Lie Technique

Process:

1. Fermentation completes in vessel
2. Wine left on fine lees (not racked)
3. Remains through winter (minimum until March 1)
4. Bottled directly from lees
5. Slight CO₂ retained (freshness)

Benefits:

• Texture and body from lees contact
• Autolytic complexity
• Protection from oxidation
• Slight effervescence (freshness)

Frequent Compliance Risks

• Sur lie timing: Must be on lees through winter
• Bottling deadline: November 30 for sur lie designation
• No racking: Direct bottling from lees required
• Cru requirements: Stricter yield and aging for village wines

Relevant Grape Varieties

• Melon de Bourgogne - sole variety (100%)

Variety Note: Often called “Melon” or “Muscadet” (confusingly). No relation to Muscat family.

Food Pairing Focus

Classic Pairings:

• Oysters (Breton tradition)
• Shellfish, mussels
• Fresh seafood
• Light fish preparations

Service: Cold (8-10°C); young (within 3 years)

Exception: Cru Communaux can age 5-10+ years

References

• INAO (2011). “Muscadet AOC Cahier des Charges.” https://www.inao.gouv.fr

• InterLoire (2024). https://www.vinsdeloire.fr

• European Commission (2024). “eAmbrosia - EU GI Register.” Link

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Last Updated: January 6, 2026