Beaujolais is an important wine region in eastern France, famous for its vibrant, Fruity red wines made from Gamay. It is located immediately South of Burgundy, of which it is sometimes considered a Part, although it is in the administrative region of Rhône. The extensive plantings of Gamay in this region make Beaujolais one of the few regions in the world that is so concentrated on a single Grape variety. Pinot Noir is used in small quantities in red and rosé wines, but in the name of regional identity, it is being phased out and will only be allowed until the 2015 harvest.
Although best known for its red wines, the region also produces white Beaujolais Blanc, from Chardonnay and Aligote. These two white wine varieties are also sometimes used in local red wines, in which they can make up to 15% of the Final blend. There are several forms of Beaujolais red wine: standard Beaujolais (including Beaujolais Supérieur), Beaujolais Villages and the Young, characterful Beaujolais Nouveau. The highest quality wines of the region are those of the ten Beaujolais crus - ten wine regions Long recognized as the best in the region.
Melon de Bourgogne (or simply Melon) is a white grape variety originating, as its name indicates, from the Burgundy region. It is better known as Muscadet, the name of the wine it produces. It is the dominant grape variety in the Nantes region on the Brittany coast. Like any grape variety, it has its own characteristics. But its history is quite particular, because its predominance in the Nantes region is the result of a terrible winter.
white wines from the region of Beaujolais go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or vegetarian such as recipes of brussels sprouts with bacon in a casserole, tuna gratin or tuna, pepper and tomato quiche.
