The Pays Nantais is the area around the city of Nantes, on the central western coast of France. The region covers an area about 55 miles (90km) from east to west, between neighboring Anjou and the Atlantic coastline. Its vineyards specialize in crisp, light, white wine styles, the most famous of which is unquestionably Muscadet.
Muscadet wines are produced under several different appellations, of which the most famous (and most prolific) is Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine.
Melon de Bourgogne is the key grape variety in the Pays Nantais vineyards. It is not a particularly flavorful variety, so without care in the vineyard and attentive winemaking, the wines run the danger of being rather bland and featureless. This is particularly true in hotter vintages, when the grapes tend to lose organoleptic complexity and their vital, characteristic acidity. To glean as much flavor and character from the grape must as possible, many wines are left sur lie ('on the lees') for weeks or even months. Wines made using this winemaking technique are perhaps best exemplified by Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie.
Other grape varieties grown in the Pays Nantais include Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris for white wines, and Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon for reds. Each of these can be used for the wines of the Coteaux d'Ancenis appellation. Folle Blanche is also grown here, known by its local synonym 'Gros Plant' which gave rise to the appellation Gros Plant du Pays Nantais.
