This very pleasant wine comes from the western end of the Loire River, where it ends its long journey by flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. The grape responsible for the wine, Melon de Bourgogne, has become fashionable in some New World vineyards, particularly in northern California, parts of the Willamette Valley of Oregon, and in Washington State’s Columbia River Valley. In its native land, it usually makes a dry, moderately tart white wine, often with notes of chalkiness and salinity. Usually, the wine is more on the delicate side, fairly light-bodied and possessing delicate floral and citrus notes.

Color: Pale yellow-green.

Aromatics: Hints of lemon/lime; some floral notes.

Taste Profile: Light-to-medium bodied; refreshing, medium crisp acidity, with hints of minerality (“chalkiness”) and salinity.

Food Pairings: A perfect accompaniment to oysters, plain goat cheeses, and mussels. It will work well
with lighter fare, or as an apéritif.

By Don Clemens