Melon de Bourgogne vs Cortese
Melon de Bourgogne
A light, high-acid Loire white grape most associated with Muscadet around Nantes, where the place name usually appears on the label.
- High acidity
- Light body
- Saline finish
Recognize it
High acidity and light body are the main structural clues, with green apple, citrus and a saline note. Aging on the lees can add a slightly creamy texture.
Cortese
A restrained Piedmont white of lemon and stone in a very light body, and the grape of Gavi.
- Lemon
- High acidity
- Stony finish
Recognize it
High acidity in a very light body with a restrained aroma. Lemon and a stony note are common. Lees-aged bottlings can gain texture while keeping their acidity.
How they compare
- SimilarRestrained aroma and high acidity.
- DifferenceMelon is brinier and breadier; Cortese is stonier and cleaner.