Gros Plant du Pays Nantais

 

Situated between the Loire and the Atlantic, this appellation is renowned for its exceptionally crisp white wine. Gros Plant is the local name for the Folle Blanche grape used to make all wines in the region.

Vineyard

Location: The Gros Plant terroir covers the entire Nantes vineyard, from Ancenis to Pornic, with two more important wine producing areas: the east of the Sèvre et Maine (Le Loroux-Bottereau, Vallet) and the Logne, Boulogne, and Herbauges regions (Corcoué-sur-Logne, Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu).

Surface Area:

• 1,400 hectares / 3,459 acres

Soil: Mainly gneiss, micaschist, greenstone (gabbro and amphibolite).

Climate: The Gros Plant has a temperate maritime climate. There are minor climatic differences from one end of the vineyard to the other, caused by variations in the distance from the coast, Loire and other bodies of water.

Wine

Annual Production:

• 100,000 hl / 792,516 gallons; 30,000 hl / 641, 720 gallons sur lie

Yield:

• 70 hl/ha

Grape Varieties:

• Folle Blanche

Growing/Production Practices: Density approximately 7,000 vines/hectare with single Guyot pruning. The ancient sur lie (‘on the lees’) technique was formalized in 1977 and is specific to the Nantes vineyards. Following fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for four to five months. During this time, a process known as yeast cell autolysis takes place.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale straw yellow with green reflections. 
• Nose: Floral and fruity. 
• Flavors: Light-bodied with a mineral freshness complemented by fruity, crisp acidity. If it has been aged sur lie, the wine will be suppler.

Food Pairings

• Seafood, fennel and lime salad
• Pan-fried sea bass with tomato and preserved lemon
• Spring herb salad