The grape is Melon de Bourgogne, and it is a "classic" from Nantes in the Loire Valley. Wine reviews Tourmaline Muscadet de Serve et Maine Sur LieIf you are looking to explore a delicious value priced wine with refreshing acidity and minerality, this wine is an excellent choice. Refreshing crisp dry finish.

As the name of the grape (Melon de Bourgonge) suggests, it originally hailed from Burgundy. Some juice from Pierre Luneau-Papin’s vineyards recently made a trip back to Burgundy to be made into wine by none other than the maestro J-F Coche, making me wonder if it would be, in fact, be a Melon de Meursault.

I'm talking about fine wines by a handful of great producers, like Marc Ollivier of Domaine de la Pépière, Pierre Luneau-Papin, Jo Landron of Domaine de la Louvetrie, Guy Bossard, and André Brégeon. Our bottle of 2007 Domaine de la Pépière Muscadet Clos des Briords was corked, sadly, as was our 2005 Luneau-Papin L D'Or.

After several tastings with bride and groom, we decided on the following for the rehearsal dinner: 2006 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet , $12, (Louis/Dressner Selections). For the wedding: 2006 Domaine de la Fruitiere Jardin de la Fruitiere , $9 (JD Headrick Imports). 2004 Domaine de la Soucherie Anjou , $12 (Rosenthal Imports).

For example, consider one of the white wines recommended by Ben Hagan at Slope Cellars, the 2006 Jardin de la Fruitière. 50-50 blend of Chardonnay and Melon de Bourgogne (the Muscadet grape), this wine is fresh and crisp, lively and well balanced. The Caves de Saumur Les Pouches is also a very nice wine for the money.

Ben Hagan, one of the wine buyers at Slope Cellars in Park Slope, Brooklyn recommends (Slope Cellars prices listed) : Whites: 2006 Caves de Saumur Saumur Les Pouches, $13, LVDH Imports (100% Chenin Blanc). 2006 Caves de Saumur Saumur Les Epinots, $13, LVDH Imports. For several months now the Euro is comfortably in the 1.5 range.

White wines from Muscadet are made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. There are a couple of appellations in Muscadet, the best of which is considered to be Muscadet de Sevre et Maine. Surprising length on the palate with pronounced mineral, citrus oils, and some ripe green melon too. And it was a good date.