Domaine du Haut Bourg: Vineyards
The vineyards of Domaine du Haut Bourg and Domaine H & N Choblet are predominantly south-facing, and are located in the commune of Bouaye on the northern side of the Lac de Grand-Lieu, in the Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu appellation. This is Europe’s largest freshwater lake, and a valuable wildlife sanctuary of particular importance to birds, and unsurprisingly its presence also has some influence on local climate and viticulture. The soils have the same volcanic origins as they do further east in the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine region, all of the Nantais vineyards being situated on the Massif Armoricain, with both micaschist and granite underfoot. The more superficial soils are sandy, not uncommon in the Muscadet region, a fact which can be ascribed to the proximity of the lake, the Loire itself and the Atlantic. These bodies of water, including the lake as noted above, also influence the local climate, moderating both day- and night-time highs and lows.
The vines cover approximately 38 hectares, a size maintained since the expansion under Michel Choblet, and they sit at a low altitude between 15 and 25 metres above sea level. They are naturally dominated by Melon de Bourgogne, but there is also Gros Plant du Nantais (also known as Folle Blanche) here, as well as a mix of other varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Grolleau, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and even Merlot, accounting for the remainder of the vineyard, aside from the Gros Plant du Nantais all destined for vin de pays or sparkling wines. Of the 38 hectares so far 9 hectares have been signed over to organic viticulture, and the wines are thus sold as Domaine H & N Choblet. These vines include 5 hectares of Melon de Bourgogne, 1 hectare of Grolleau Gris and 3 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc. The other 29 hectares remain as Domaine du Haut Bourg, including 13 hectares of Melon de Bourgogne, 6 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and small parcels of all the other varieties.
