Very few plantings of Melon de Bourgogne exist outside Muscadet. As the grape's name suggests however, this was not always the case. An old Burgundy variety, it was grown until the 18th century, when the Burgundians' love affair with the grape ended. Some other areas of the Loire also used the grape until it was killed by frost. In Muscadet, however, it continues to flourish.
In the past 30 years or so, different techniques have become more widely used. As well as oak-ageing, the grape has been found to take well to so-called 'Sur Lie.' This is when the yeasts that occurred during fermentation are stirred back through the wine, lending a bready, nutty flavour to the finished wine. Combined with the citric acidity of Muscadet, the flavours lend themselves beautifully to seafood.
