Madeleine Angevine is a white wine grape variety. It’s particularly popular in the Loire Valley of France and is also grown in regions like Germany, Kyrgyzstan, and Washington State.
Origin in France (Loire Valley)
Thrives in cooler climates
The wine style is a classic french crisp, dry white wine with citrus and floral notes
Madeleine Angevine’s history in Washington State is relatively recent, tied Wa-ine explorations of cool-climate grape varieties in the Puget Sound region.
Early Experimentation:
1970s: Washington State University’s research unit in Mount Vernon began experimenting with grape varieties suitable for the region’s cooler, wetter climate.
1977: Gerard Bentryn, with experience in European vineyards, planted Madeleine Angevine at his Bainbridge Island Vineyards.
1978: Al Stratton planted it at Mount Baker Vineyards, recognizing its potential for complexity in the Puget Sound climate.
Rise in Popularity:
1980s-1990s: Madeleine Angevine gained popularity among winemakers in the Puget Sound region, particularly on islands like Bainbridge Island and Lopez Island.
2000s-Present: It continues to be a signature grape for the region, known for producing crisp, refreshing white wines with citrus and floral notes.
We live in Seattle, and we have been to the islands in the Puget sound, we know the cool, maritime climate of the Puget Sound is well-suited for Madeleine Angevine, this weather allows the grape to retain acidity and develop complex flavors.
The region’s diverse soils, including glacial till and volcanic ash, contribute to the grape’s unique character, which gives different profile flavors to the grape grown in the state, compared to its counterparts in the world. Winemakers in Wa-ine often stare the lees in barrel to create more texture.
Winemakers have refined techniques to highlight the grape’s delicate nature, often using minimal intervention and stainless steel fermentation, so its known for being a young wine; they often display aromas of cut grass, hay, lemon verbena among others.
Madeleine Angevine is a popular white wine grape variety in Washington State, particularly in the Puget Sound region. It’s known for producing crisp, dry wines with citrus and floral notes, making it a great pairing for seafood.
Here are a few Washington wineries that produce Madeleine Angevine:
Lopez Island Vineyards: Known for their high-quality Madeleine Angevine, often described as the “quintessential seafood wine.”
Port Townsend -estate Madeleine Angevine; Fresh and herbal expression from their vineyard
Bainbridge Vineyards: Produces a crisp, dry Madeleine Angevine with citrus and grass notes.
Van Vino Winery: Offers a Madeleine Angevine with creamy lemon and herbal notes.
Hoodsport Winery: Sources organic Madeleine Angevine grapes from Lopez Island.
Wa-ine pairings:
Washington style salmon chowder
grill black cod with honey crisp apple, fennel and beet puree
King salmon wellington
Squash ravioli with chanterelle mushrooms
6 hour salted and sugar cured hamachi with orange ginger (crudo style)
tempura shrimp and veggies