This year again, the Hellfest will not take place because of the health crisis. The maous metal music festival – 180,000 people in June 2019 – cannot bring itself to forcing its audience to sit wisely on bleachers. Among the disappointed, we must count the local winegrowers. Because the Hellfest makes resonate its electric guitars in Clisson, in the middle of the vineyards of Muscadet, in the Loire. And the event likes to celebrate local production.
However, the site does not seem conducive to tasting. At the end of a clearing, facing the woods, stands the Kingdom of Muscadet, 300 square meters with, in its center, a refreshment bar in the shape of a gigantic barrel. The entrance is materialized by an arch 7 meters high, framed by two statues, a Bacchus with the guitar and a goddess of the vine, more Zen.
“Festival-goers visit the vineyard, buy wine, and stay in the estates. Strong ties are forged. »François Robin, Nantes Wines Federation
In one weekend, 18,000 liters of wine come out, mainly Muscadet and a little rosé-de-loire. This is huge in itself, minor compared to the 400,000 liters of beer that flow. But the symbolism is strong. “Part of the land rented or loaned for this festival belongs to the winegrowers of Clisson, explains François Robin, delegate to the Nantes Wines Federation, which, in exchange for good practices, are represented by a strong symbolic place, which makes the Muscadet appellation shine. “
Sixty nationalities are in fact represented in the public. “In the week preceding Hellfest, 50,000 festival-goers are already present. They visit the vineyard, buy wine, stay in the estates and take our name home. Strong ties are forged. “
On the outskirts of concert stages, little white wine is drunk in goblets, without frills. But, in the VIP boxes, partners, musicians and guests can taste a cuvée aged on lees, with a label specially designed for the edition. And even one from the Clisson communal cru (recognized in 2011). Sylvain Paquereau, whose vines adjoin the elements of the stage, regularly intervenes to present the appellation against a background of heavy metal:
“By talking to festival-goers, I see that many like good things. Whatever their nationality, they ask questions about the vines and the wines. ” The latter befriended several people who pitch their tents on his farm during the three days of June. “This festival does not make us live, but it signals the start of summer in our vineyard. He is very emotional and will be missed this year. “
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