Color of berry skin Blanc Also called Melon; (other names) Origin France, Burgundy Wine color White wine | Species Vitis vinifera Notable wines Muscadet Sweetness of resulting wine Dry Rank Cultivar | |
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Notable regions Loire Valley, Oregon, Washington, Southern Ontario Scientific name Vitis vinifera 'Melon de Bourgogne' Similar Common Grape Vine, Gamay, Grolleau, Folle blanche, Chenin blanc | ||
Wine education 101 todd hamina describes melon de bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne or Melon is a variety of white grape grown primarily in the Loire Valley region of France. It is also grown in North America. It is best known through its use in the white wine Muscadet.
Contents
- Wine education 101 todd hamina describes melon de bourgogne
- Wine education 101 fred niger describes melon de bourgogne
- History
- North America
- Synonyms
- References
In the U.S., Federal law prevents "Muscadet" from being used for American-produced wine; only the full name of the grape, or the shortened "Melon" can be used.
Wine education 101 fred niger describes melon de bourgogne
History
As its name suggests, the grape originated in Burgundy and was grown there until its destruction was ordered in the early 18th century. In the vineyards around Nantes and the western Loire, however, the harsh winter of 1709 destroyed so many vines that a new variety was needed, and the Melon grape was introduced. Since then it has been used solely in the production of the light dry white wine Muscadet, which is made entirely from the Melon grape. The grape is so associated with its appellation that the grape itself is often known as Muscadet.
DNA analysis has revealed Melon de Bourgogne to be a cross between Pinot blanc and Gouais blanc.
North America
As of 2007, the grape is grown in Oregon. where it is known simply as Melon. The grape has been introduced into Washington by Perennial Vintners on Bainbridge Island, six miles across Puget Sound from Seattle. This grape was brought to America in 1939, and was propagated incorrectly as Pinot Blanc in the early 1980's. For more on this error, see also "Melon de Bourgogne - History" at MelonDeBourgogne.com.
Synonyms
Melon de Bourgogne is also known under the synonyms Auxerrois Gros, Biaune, Blanc de Nantes, Bourgogne blanche, Bourgogne verde, Bourgogne verte, Bourguignon blanc, Clozier, Feher Nagyburgundi, Feuille Ronde, Gamay blanc, Gamay Blanc à Feuilles Rondes, Gamay Blanc Feullies Rondes, Game Kruglolistnyi, Gros Auxerrois, Gros blanc, Grosse Saint Marie, Lyonnais, Lyonnaise blanche, Malin blanc, Mele, Melon, Meurlon, Mourlon, Muscadet, Perry, Petit Bourgogne, Petit Muscadet, Petite Biaune, Petoin, Petouin, Picarneau, Plant de Lons-Le-Saulnie, Roussette Basse, Später Weisser Burgunder, and Weisser Burgunder.