Melon de Bourgogne
The white grape of Muscadet in the Loire, a Burgundian cross of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc, giving lean, saline, sur-lie whites.
About Melon
Melon de Bourgogne is, as its name reveals, a native of Burgundy, a natural cross of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc and thus a sibling of Chardonnay and Gamay. Ordered destroyed in Burgundy in the early 18th century, it survived by migrating west to the Loire, where it repopulated the frost-ravaged vineyards around Nantes after the brutal winter of 1709 and became the sole grape of Muscadet. Naturally high in acid and low in aromatic flourish, it produces bone-dry, light-bodied whites of green apple, citrus and a distinct saline, oyster-shell minerality. The finest examples, from Sevre-et-Maine, are aged sur lie, resting on their spent yeast to gain roundness, texture and a gentle yeasty depth. Crisp, affordable and food-friendly, Muscadet is one of the world's great shellfish wines.
Variety profile
Editorial notes
Choose Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine 'sur lie' for texture; a classic, inexpensive match for oysters and shellfish. Drink young and cold.