Who would have thought....sparkling Muscadet!!

A tad tongue in cheek on my behalf but the folks at Domaine de la Pepiere have produced a sparkling wine/Vin Mousseux!


http://www.thewinedoctor.com/weekend/pe ... esnv.shtml

Thanks for this Bob. In addition to the news about Pepiere's sparkling Muscadet, the report also notes the formation in the region of crus communaux. Three have been approved so far: Gorges, Clisson and Le Pallet. Although inspired by differences in terroir, these designations officially refer only to the names of communes. More puzzling, lengthy time on the lies (17 - 24 months) requirements are mandated in these crus communaux, yet the term "sur lie" is barred from the label. The reason, Kissich explains, is that only wines that spend just a single winter on the lies prior to bottling can be called sur lie. So too much sur lie means you no longer have sur lie! In an effort to make some sense of all this, the recent developments are being described as Le Troisième Niveau. The idea is that originally there was no requirement of post-fermentation contact with the lies, then there was the sur lie requirement, and now we have the third step of prolonged lies contact. Whatever, it all makes me want to return soon to the old Pay Nantais.

Thanks Dan, I have been trying here on this forum to let everyone know about all the changes as they occur! Usually by posting links to WineDoctor which is the best source of info in my opinion (and of course Jim Budd).
I know Tim has also been keeping up to date on recent developements. The "sur lie" debate is of interest plus the formation in the region of crus communaux that you have mentioned.
As a matter of interest, I have a bottle here of the `01 Haut Bourg Grandlieu Muscadet...I read elsewhere 7 years on the lees!

Hi Dan,
Very interesting indeed about “sur-lie” being mentioned on a label of Muscadet wine. Besides the actual length of time the wine sees on is lees, does the “regulations” dictate the size, type, shape of vessel the wine that sees “sur-lie” is stored in?

Salute

do the “regulations” dictate the size, type, shape of vessel the wine that sees “sur-lie” is stored in?

Right on the mark Victor! So far as I know the answer is no, but what I know is second hand. It reminds me of all the talk we hear about government regulation. As a 60's guy I see regulations as attempts to protect the small guys, the 99%. For those otherwise inclined, the French seem to be showing the way.

Dan