
Melon is short for Melon de Bourgogne, and is a white grape variety that is grown in the Loire Valley of France. This grape is known for the Muscadet dry white wine, which is made almost entirely out of the Melon de Bourgogne variety. The grape variety is so common in the wine that the variety is often referred to as “Muscadet”. Melon is also grown in North America. Melon is said to have originated in Burgundy and grown there until the variety was destroyed in the 18th century. In the winter of 1709, many vines in Loire and Nantes were destroyed. Out of the cold winter, Melon was introduced because of its ability to withstand frost. DNA research shows that Melon de Bourgogne is a mix between Gouais blanc and Pinot blanc. In the United States, using the term “Muscadet” for wines created in America is prohibited. The wines can use the term “Melon” or “Melon de Bourgogne”. The grape is grown in Oregon, where it is called by the term “Melon.” This variety is perfect with fresh shellfish, such as oysters, and is great while young. Melon lends citrus and salty notes and has a nice silky texture.
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On the palate, it reveals a fresh attack followed by an ample, structured, long-lasting finish. The wine unfurls in successive stages and ends with top-quality tannins produced by whole cluster fermentation. It features aromas and flavors of smoked ham, violet, graphite, graphite, and licorice.
Review:
A refined, fine-textured and precise Cote-Rotie with aromas of cherries, wild berries, wild herbs, bark and baking spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. There is a vibrant and spicy character at the center, with a succulent, precise and lively expression toward the long finish. Try after 2026.
-James Suckling 95 Points
Pago de Carraovejas El Anejon is made from 93%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5% and Merlot 2%.
El Anejon vineyard is a terraced plot on a steep slope, oriented toward the sun and with great views of the Castle of Peñafiel. The soil of the narrow terraces has a compact, loamy limestone texture. The presence of the white-colored limestone calcium salts contributes to a distinctive minerality in this wine. Only made in exceptional vintages.
Review:
"A single-plot wine from the top terraces of the site from an excellent vintage, the 2021 El Anejon is powerful and truly outstanding. Tempranillo is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to an exceptional end, aged 12 months in larger French oak barrels after a triple selection of the grapes. Sharp red fruit has an underbelly of herbal earthiness beneath the fruit, while tight, refreshing acidity accentuates the mineral-driven texture. Bottled in June 2023, this might be the producer’s best wine of the vintage, which is saying a lot, as they’re all of outstanding quality. This will hit a high point in 5-7 years and keep going another 20. - Virginie BOONE"
- Jeb DUNNUCK (August 2°25), 98 pts