Melon de Bourgogne
Classic aromas of Melon de Bourgogne are: Green Apple, Pear, Lemon, Lime and Shortbread
Melon de Bourgogne is an old white grape variety from France. As the name suggests it originally was from Burgundy until 1567 when it was officially banned from being planted there, a similar fate was given to Gamay Noir as well. Melon de Bourgogne, or just Melon, does have a history in Burgundy since the 13th century. It is a natural cross of Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc – this makes it a sibling grape to Chardonnay and Gamay Noir. Over time it has found a home in the Loire Valley.
Melon de Bourgogne is now the fourth most planted white grape in all of France, with 12,384ha almost solely in the Loire Valley. It is on the western coast of the Loire valley in a region called the Pays Nantais. The best wines are from the famous sub-region: Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine.
There has been some interest in the grape outside of France but very little. Notable producers are found in Oregon, California and Canada.
The absolute best examples of Melon de Bourgogne have a high acidity and a light body. They have flavours of green fruits and citrus; namely lime, green melon, pear and green apples. The wines that are ‘sur lie’ (aged on their dead yeast cells) have a fuller body and delicate biscuity aromas too.