The grape variety Melon à Queue Rouge

Melon à Queue Rouge is a rare and distinctive French white grape variety with heritage ties to the Loire Valley. Highly esteemed for its unique aromatic profile, this grape typically produces wines that are fresh and delicately expressive. Aromatically, Melon à Queue Rouge showcases notes of green apple, citrus zest, and subtle pear, often underlined by mineral tones and nuances of white flowers. On the palate, its wines are crisp, lively, and medium-bodied, delivering a refreshing acidity and a textured, slightly saline finish reminiscent of the ocean.

Primarily cultivated in select parcels of the Muscadet region, particularly within the Sèvre-et-Maine appellation, Melon à Queue Rouge is closely associated with terroirs that imbue the wines with complexity and longevity. The grape is most well-known in classic Muscadet styles, frequently produced sur lie, allowing the wines to develop added roundness and depth.

Melon à Queue Rouge pairs exceptionally with fresh seafood, oysters, sushi, and delicate shellfish. Its vibrant acidity and minerality also make it an excellent companion to goat cheese, light poultry dishes, and vegetable terrines, offering versatility for a wide range of gastronomic experiences.