MuscadetSèvreetMaine

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine is a dry white wine appellation from the Loire Valley in France. It is the most significant and well-known of the Muscadet appellations. The wines are produced primarily from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, which is indigenous to the region. The vineyards are located in the westernmost part of the Loire Valley, close to the Atlantic coast, with the Sèvre and Maine rivers defining the appellation's boundaries. The climate is maritime, with mild temperatures and significant rainfall, which contributes to the wine's characteristic freshness.

Muscadet Sèvre et Maine wines are typically light-bodied, pale yellow in color, and known for their crisp acidity and subtle minerality. Common tasting notes include hints of green apple, citrus, and sometimes a briny, saline quality. A notable style within the appellation is "sur lie," where the wine is aged on its lees (dead yeast cells) for several months. This aging process imparts a richer texture, a slight yeasty complexity, and a more pronounced mouthfeel. The wines are generally intended for early consumption, though some examples, particularly those aged sur lie, can benefit from a few years in the bottle. Muscadet Sèvre et Maine is often recommended as an excellent pairing for seafood, particularly oysters, due to its refreshing acidity and saline notes.