Pierre-Henri Gadais, Vin de France (France) Melon Blan 2021

 According to Robinson, et al., in Wine Grapes, the grape variety Melon is from Burgundy.  In the Middle Ages. it was taken to the Loire Valley where it was named Muscadet.  The grapes for this wine were grown in organic soil and, as the wine’s name suggests, the grapes were harvested at night, to preserve freshness.  They were macerated at a cool temperature for 12 hours before pressing to extract flavors, then fermented with the vineyards’ indigenous yeasts, then bottled.  The alcohol is a low 11 percent.  The goal is to preserve the wine’s pure, focused, fruity flavors of fresh citrus and green apple, with saline mineral notes.  Lean and crisp with bright acidity, it would be perfect for an autumn picnic.