Melon de Bourgogne

Melon de Bourgogne is actually the most planted grape variety in the Loire Valley, but it reaches its highest potential in the Atlantic-dominated countryside of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, a subzone east of the city of Nantes. Melon shows success in the surrounding Muscadet subzones as well, which are all part of the larger Pays Nantais region. Melon de Bourgogne wine of this region goes by the simple name, Muscadet.

Tasting Notes for Melon de Bourgogne

Muscadet is a dry, white wine full of fresh acidity and smoky or saline aromas with some floral character; flavors are of green melon and pear, tart apple, lemon and honeysuckle. Since the mid 1980s, winemakers have been successfully experimenting with various winemaking techniques including barrel fermentation, lees-stirring and pre-fermentation skin contact to make a more complex wine.

Perfect Food Pairings for Melon de Bourgogne

Try Muscadet with any light and flaky fish, oysters, roasted chicken, root vegetables and fondue.

Sommelier Secrets for Melon de Bourgogne

Melon de Bourgogne from Pays Nantais is called Muscadet, and while suggestive of “muscat,” it is not related to any Muscat variety. The name might also suggest this grape is from Burgundy—and indeed its origins are Burgundian. But while history shows it is the progeny of Pinot and Gouais Blanc, it was continuously outlawed from Burgundy, just like Gamay, at various times during the 16th and 17th centuries.