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Melon de Bourgogne grape
Melon de Bourgogne is a white grape known for lemon, green apple, saline. Its best-known homes are Muscadet.
Origin and history
From Burgundy, as the name says; DNA proves it a cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc, the same parents as Chardonnay.
Where it grows
Almost entirely the Pays Nantais at the mouth of the Loire (Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, Coteaux de la Loire, Côtes de Grandlieu), with a little in Oregon.
Structure
Light body, high acidity and low alcohol; dry, neutral and often aged on its lees for extra texture.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: lemon, green apple, sea spray and a yeasty, bready note from lees. With age: honey, toast and saline, flinty notes.
Ageing
Most Muscadet is best within 1–3 years; top cru communal wines such as Clisson or Gorges can age 10–15 years.
Also known as
Muscadet, Melon.
Good to know
It was widely replanted around Nantes after the great frost of 1709 because it survived cold well; 'sur lie' on the label means bottled off its lees.
Melon de Bourgogne wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Chéreau Carré La Griffe Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie
Loire Valley · Muscadet Sèvre et Maine · Melon de Bourgogne
Lees-aged Muscadet: lemon, sea spray and gentle texture.
Food: Oysters, moules
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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