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.
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.Federal Register Vol. 61 No. 5 from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
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
This grape was brought to America in 1939. It was propagated incorrectly as Pinot Blanc from the 1960s into the early 1980s.Mike Lempriere "Melon de Bourgogne - History" MelonDeBourgogne.com
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.
Synonyms Melon de Bourgogne is known by many synonyms, including: Auxerrois GrosBiaune 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 Feuilles 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 BurgunderMelon , Vitis International Variety Catalogue, accessed 2010-12-03
References
External links Wine Doctor on the Pays Nantais A synopsis of the Muscadet region MelondeBourgogne.com, focused on Melon cultivation in the USA