Muscadet is a type of dry, crisp white wine that originates from the western part of the Loire Valley in France. It is made from a specific grape variety known as Melon de Bourgogne. Unlike other types of wine, Muscadet is typically fermented in stainless steel tanks instead of oak barrels, which contributes to its light and fresh flavor profile.
Muscadet wine is often associated with seafood due to its high acidity and clean finish. It is also characterized by its lemon and lime flavors, as well as occasional marine and vegetable notes. The wine is named after the local term "Muscadet" for the Muscat grape, even though the wine is not related to nor made from the Muscat grape.
Some bottles of Muscadet are labeled as “sur lie”, which means that the wine was left on its lees, or dead yeast cells, after fermentation. This process can add complexity to the flavor of the wine, as well as create a slight fizz. Despite their high quality, Muscadet wines are typically affordable, making them a popular choice for many wine enthusiasts.
There are four designated areas within the Loire Valley that produce Muscadet: Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine, Muscadet-Côtes de Grandlieu, Muscadet-Coteaux de la Loire and Muscadet without a specified region. Among them, Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine produces the largest volume and is considered to deliver the highest quality.
