Muscat Grape
The Muscat grape will make very different wines when grown in different regions. Berries range from white to black. Because it has been cultivated by humans for so long, it has mutated many times.
But generalizations can be drawn; it is always an aromatic heady varietal. Sweetness and distinctive floral aromas are present on the nose of all the diverse sub-varieties within the Muscat Family. It is naturally low in acidity and almost never aged in new oak. Muscat makes all ranges of wine styles including dry, off dry, and sweet.
There are three major types of Muscat used for wine. They are Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains, Muscat of Alexandria and Muscat Ottonel. Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains literally means, “White Muscat with Little Berries.” However, not all Muscat is white, and colors vary widely.
Muscat Ottonel is originally from the Loire, but rarely used in high-quality wines. Most is distilled into brandy. Muscat of Alexandria may very well have been cultivated by the Ancient Egyptians. Muscat of Alexandria has high sugar levels and low acidity. This sub-variety is called Moscatel de Malaga in Spain. It is also planted all over South America, especially Chile.
