Pays Nantais
Summary
At the mouth of the Loire river, this area experiences high rainfall and a maritime climate due to its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean. Sandy soils help with drainage. Spring frost risk is increasingly common threatening yields and quality of fruit. Acidic white grapes are championed here. Wines are fresh with neutral aromatic intensity. Lees ageing (sur lie) in underground glass lined tanks is common, increasing the overall mouthfeel and freshness of these wines. Experimentation practices of barrel fermentation, skin contact and amphorae ageing have sought to raise the profile of these wines across both domestic and export markets.