We went to the Loire Valley thinking we knew French wine. We left completely enchanted—and with a suitcase full of Muscadet…
We all think of regions like Bordeaux or Bordeaux when we think of French wines. But how many of us have discovered the flavors and finesse of Muscadet? It’s not a wine that catches your eye at first glance, but rather a reflection of the citrus orchards, the salty breeze of the Atlantic (which is just an hour’s drive from the Loire) and the cool stones of the cellar. During our recent press trip, we had the opportunity to delve deeper into the art of Muscadet and came home with a new favourite.
What is Muscadet?
Let’s get this straight first: What is Muscadet actually? It’s not a grape variety if you think about it :)) It’s a wine produced in Melon de Bourgogne, known as Melon B, grown mostly in the Pays Nantais subregion of the Loire Valley. Until we discovered it up close, we knew Muscadet was a crisp and simple seafood wine, but now we have much more to tell you. Of note – when aged sur lie – on the lees – Muscadet acquires a complexity that captivates even the most knowledgeable sommeliers.
Clisson: The Perfect Starting Point
To give you a little context, to teleport you to the south of France, our journey began in Clisson. This town seems like a dream inspired by the beauty of Tuscany. Terracotta roofs, ivy-covered facades and the highlight – the view from the accommodation where we stayed – a chateau looming over the narrow streets. So now we have the ideal backdrop for our first Muscadet tastings. This is where we began to delve deeper into the history of Muscadet.
Tasting Notes: A Wine That Evolves
A classic Muscadet is light, has high acidity, citrusy notes and a minerality that sets it apart from other wines. In other words, it is a wine born from its proximity to the Atlantic. But wait, this is just the beginning.
One of the tastings I want to mention is from Domaine Ménard Gaborit, where a cuvée I tasted revealed aromas I didn’t expect – tropical notes of banana, no less. But you can imagine that this is far from all, among the other strengths of the Loire experience are beautifully aged expressions, with notes of almond and splashes of sea.
Beyond the Oysters: What to Pair with Muscadet
Yes, Muscadet and oysters are a classic pair. But don’t stop there. This wine is more versatile than you’d expect:
- Goat cheese on toast with a young Muscadet.
- Butter-drenched sole with an older, lees-aged bottle.
- And one unforgettable moment: a white Chenin from Château de Targé paired with a pavlova—unexpected and magical.
Meet the Makers
Behind every bottle we tasted stood a passionate, often multi-generational winemaking family. Here are a few who stood out:
- Domaine de l’Epinay – Sustainability-focused wines with clarity and character.
- Domaine des Cognettes – Biodynamic, bold, and full of life.
- Le Fay d’Homme – Tradition meets innovation in their elegant cuvées.
- Domaine Ménard Gaborit – For their aromatic surprises and warm hospitality.
- Château de Targé – Technically outside the Muscadet appellation, but their Chenin Blanc deserves an honorable mention for stealing the show.
Why Muscadet Deserves a Spot in Your Cellar
Like many of you, I have probably understood that Muscadet has been overlooked for a long time, but this is starting to change. Its affordable price, the way it can be paired harmoniously with food and its surprising ageability – this wine is a must-try for everyone. We recommend giving Muscadet time to enjoy it on warm summer evenings.
So go ahead: uncork a bottle. Or better yet, plan a trip to the Loire. Just be warned—you might fall in love, too. Leave us a message now! Click here