This is what good wine from the Muscadet grape tastes like

The Muscadet grape owes its name to the appellation of the same name in the western Loire Valley. It was originally called Melon de Bourgogne, as it originated in Burgundy. Muscadet produces uncomplicated, fairly neutral, light white wines that rely on their freshness.

Serve it with a seafood platter, and you have a wine that perfectly complements this light dish without being overpowering.

Muscadet grows in the Pays Nantais, in the far west of the Loire, right on the Atlantic Ocean. To extract more flavor and power from the grape, top winemakers make it "sur lie." They leave the lees, including the yeast, in the barrel until the first spring. Only then do they filter it out. This method gives the wine more expression, depth, and sometimes a touch of sparkle, as some carbon can remain in the wine.

Until it was banned there in the 18th century, Melon de Bourgogne was an important grape variety in Burgundy. It was given a second chance in the Pays Nantais in the Loire after the very harsh winter of 1709 destroyed much of the vineyards there. The Muscadet loves snow and ice and was therefore a welcome new grape.