Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC

Gros Plant du Pays Nantais is the most oceanic and westernmost appellation in the Loire Valley, stretching across the entire Nantes area from Ancenis to Pornic. The zone covers 92 communes: 69 in Loire-Atlantique, 16 in Maine-et-Loire, and 4 in Vendée. Vineyards sit at low altitudes, predominantly between 5 and 60 metres, planted on slopes of 3% or more. The Atlantic Ocean exerts a direct moderating influence, producing mild winters and moderately warm summers.

• Vineyards span the Nantes area from Ancenis inland to the coastal town of Pornic
• Preferred terroir includes sandy soils around Lac de Grand-Lieu and the Pays de Retz
• Soils include gneiss, gabbro, micaschist, amphibolite, granite, greenstone, sandy-gravel, slate, schist, and clay
• Low-altitude sites at 5 to 90 metres; most planting concentrated between 5 and 60 metres

Folle Blanche, known locally as Gros Plant, is the defining grape of this appellation. It was introduced from Charente by Dutch merchants during the 16th century and has since become inseparable from Nantais identity. Colombard is permitted as an accessory variety up to 10%, and Montils appears as a rare additional option. The grape's naturally high acidity is both its challenge and its greatest asset, producing wines of striking freshness when grown on the right soils.

• Folle Blanche originated in Charente and was brought to the Nantes region by Dutch merchants in the 16th century
• Colombard may be blended in up to 10% as an accessory variety
• Montils is a permitted but very rare accessory variety
• Sandy-gravel soils are preferred for optimal expression of the grape's mineral character

The Confrérie des Bretvins, a local wine brotherhood, was established in 1948, and the Syndicat de Défense followed in 1951. VDQS status was formally granted on February 26, 1954. The application for AOC promotion was filed in July 2009, accepted in February 2011, and the new classification became applicable from March 2012. Before its 20th-century decline, the vineyard once reached an extraordinary 20,000 hectares during the 19th century.

• Confrérie des Bretvins founded 1948; Syndicat de Défense formed 1951
• VDQS status granted February 26, 1954
• AOC application filed July 2009, accepted February 2011, applicable March 2012
• Vineyard area peaked at 20,000 hectares in the 19th century; today covers 2,300 hectares

Gros Plant du Pays Nantais produces dry white wine only, pale yellow with green tints, and characterised by high acidity, tangy citrus freshness, and mineral drive. Floral and vegetable aromas complement a lemony, bracing palate. Wines are typically consumed young. The sur lie designation is available when wines are aged on fine lees until at least March 1 following the harvest, which adds texture and complexity while preserving the grape's natural zestiness. The minimum alcohol is 9% vol. for standard wines and 9.5% for the sur lie expression.

• Dry white only; pale yellow with green tints, high acidity, lemony and mineral character
• Sur lie designation requires ageing on fine lees until at least March 1 following harvest
• Minimum alcohol: 9% vol. standard; 9.5% for sur lie
• Yield capped at 70 hectolitres per hectare