Muscat (grape)

Muscat (grape)

The Muscat family of grapes includes over 200 grape varieties belonging to the Vitis vinifera species that have been used in wine production and as raisin and table grapes around the globe for many centuries. Their colors range from white (such as Muscat Ottonel), to yellow (such as Muscat Canelli), to pink (such as Muscat Hamburg), to near black (such as Muscat of Alexandria).

History

Muscat grapes have been known since ancient times. Theories suggest that the family of Muscat grapes originated in the Middle East, in the Levant region. The name "Muscat" is believed to have been derived from the Persian word "muchk," which was subsequently altered by the Romans to "muscus," and later by the French to "muscat."

Viticulture

Muscat grapes are grown around the world in countries including Italy, where it's used to produce Asti, a sparkling wine, and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, a dessert wine. In Australia, the Muscat grape is used to produce a variety of sweet fortified wines.

Wine regions

Italy

In Italy, the most famous varieties of Muscat are Moscato d'Asti and Moscato di Pantelleria. The former is grown in the Piedmont region and the latter on the island of Pantelleria.

France

In France, Muscat grapes are grown in several regions including Alsace, Beaumes-de-Venise, and Corsica. The grape is used to produce both dry and sweet wines.

Australia

In Australia, the Muscat grape is used to produce a variety of sweet fortified wines in the Rutherglen region.

Styles

Muscat grapes are used to produce a wide range of wine styles including dry, off-dry, sweet, sparkling and dessert wines. The grape's high sugar content can be used to produce wines with high alcohol content or, if fermentation is stopped early, sweet dessert wines.

Food pairing

Muscat wines, with their sweet flavors and aromatic profile, pair well with spicy foods, desserts, and fruits.

See also

• List of grape varieties
• Viticulture
• History of wine

External links

• Wine-Searcher: Muscat
• Jancis Robinson: Muscat