Le guide du cépage Muscat

The guide to the Muscat grape variety

When we talk about Muscat, we often think that it is a single grape variety. In reality, Muscat is a family of grape varieties grouping together approximately  200 different varieties , mainly white but also black and pink! Moreover, if some of these varieties are only dedicated  at the table, others allow the production of  wine...and others  can be enjoyed in a glass as well as at the table!

But then, what are the main muscats used to produce wine? What types of wine can be produced with them? How can they be ideally enjoyed?  Where is it grown? 

You will know the answer to all these questions after  reading this article!


Origins, places of cultivation and varieties of Muscat

THE White Muscat with small grains is the first known variety of Muscat.  Of Greek origin , this one has been cultivated since Antiquity and is said to have arrived  in France under the name of Apiena Uva (which would translate as "bee-attracting grape")  thanks to the Romans at the beginning of our era.

Liking warm climates , it is quite natural that it flourishes wonderfully well within the Mediterranean basin. Thus, today we have  7,000 hectares  of Muscat within the French vineyard, almost all located  within the regions  Languedoc-Roussillon , Provence  And  Rhone Valley south .

Globally, the Muscat family is present in many countries such as Italy , Greece, Turkey, Spain or even Portugal and covers  next to  45,000 hectares . 

Over time, countless varieties of Muscat have developed: Muscat Aviv, Muscat Azos, Muscat Bifère, Muscat Bouschet etc. Nevertheless, there are 3 main varieties of Muscat allowing the production of wines:

 

White Muscat with small grains

As said above, it is the oldest variety . It is also the most cultivated. It allows to elaborate dry, sparkling and sweet wines . Its aroma evolves on notes of exotic fruits (lychee, mango, pineapple), orange  or even of pink.

 

White Muscat of Alexandria

White Muscat of Alexandria  is often used in assembly and is mainly used for vinifying sweet wines Its berries are very fragrant and its aroma evolves over notes of peach, pear, mirabelle plum as well as floral aromas .

 

Ottonel White Muscat

With barely 200 hectares planted in France, it is the least used variety of the three.  Mainly present in Alsace , this one gives both dry and sweet wines ( Late Harvest And Selection of Noble Grains ).Most of the time, the Muscat of Alsace is a Muscat resulting from the blend of Muscat à petits grains and Muscat Ottonel. The latter evokes seductive primary aromas of fresh grapes and flowers .

 

muscat-blanc-alexandrie-muscat-blanc-à-petits-grains-muscat-ottonel

Alexandrian white muscat - Small grain white muscat - Muscat Ottonel


The brilliant aroma of Muscat

Without a doubt, the success of Muscat  is primarily due to its rich and exuberant aromatic sound as well as its great malleability .

In fact, this allows the realization of white wines dry , of sparkling wines (Clairette de Die, Moscato d'Asti), from orange wines , of sweet wines  "classics" but also Natural Sweet Wines like the Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise, the Muscat of Rivesaltes , Muscat de Frontignan or Muscat du Cap-Corse. As a reminder, the latter  experience a planned stop to their fermentation thanks to an addition  of wine alcohol, allowing the  preservation of sugars naturally present in the final wine.

In any case, all wines from the Muscat family have a similar characteristic: a unique and seductive aromatic .

It is actually relatively easy to distinguish a bottle made from Muscat blindly because Rare are the wines so aromatic ! Of the fresh grape flavors blend delicately with citrus notes , of exotic fruits (lychee, pineapple, mango) as well as floral aromas (rose, lime, jasmine) and sometimes Honey . Hard to resist!


What foods should Muscat be paired with?  ?

Muscat allowing the production of different types of wine ,  a multitude of culinary pairings will be possible depending on the style you choose.

So, with a dry white Muscat (without residual sugars), we can imagine delicious combinations with asparagus , grilled fish, sushi and sashimi or even with a chicken colombo.

For sparkling Muscats like Clairette de Die or the  Moscato d'Asti, the  associations  with a salad of fresh fruits or a fruit tart (apples, pears, strawberries etc.) will be very successful. We can also imagine a combination with sweet and savory cuisine like scallops with mango or even ceviche.

An orange wine made from Muscat will go well with it  divinely well with goat cheese more or less matured, Comté, Abondance or even Mimolette. poultry as well as sweet and savory dishes  like duck with orange will be  also choice dishes on  this type of wine.

Finally, for “classic” sweet wines and Vins Doux Naturels, we can quite imagine foie gras , of the blue cheeses (Blue, Roquefort) or fruit desserts.

 

asperges-muscat

Dry white Muscat and asparagus, a successful combination

 

Ideally enjoy a  Muscat (temperature and storage)

In order to ideally enjoy your Muscat, you will once again need to take its style into account.

So, for a Dry white muscat , a serving temperature between 8 and 10°C will be ideal for revealing all the fruity aromas of it while enjoying a nice freshness. In addition, it is It is best to enjoy this type of wine in its youth. (during the first 5 years) in order to take full advantage of its vibrant fruity and floral flavors.

Concerning sparkling Muscats, a temperature of 6-8°C will be perfect to appreciate all the freshness offered by these delicious bubbles. In the same way as for dry white Muscats, fairly rapid consumption is here to be considered.

For an orange wine made from Muscat , and due to the presence of light tannins, a slightly higher serving temperature will be preferable. Thus a service range between 12 and 14°C will be perfect. From a potential aging point of view, this type of wine is also to be enjoyed during one's youth .

Finally, for naturally sweet wines based on Muscat , the ideal temperature will be  between 8-10°C in order to balance the significant presence of sugar. This type of wine can be consumed young in order to enjoy very intense fruity aromas but can also keep for 10 years or more . In this case, the aromas will evolve towards orange flavors.  and candied fruits.


What are the best Muscats?  ?

Although it is difficult to give a definitive list of the best Muscats, La Cave Éclairée has selected products that show the magnificent diversity of this family of grape varieties. All styles are here for the meeting!


Now all you have to do is  combining practice with theory  and to serve you a glass of this wonderful grape variety. And if you need advice,  The Illuminated Cellar  remains of course at your entire disposal!

 
vendanges-muscat
Late harvest of Muscat in Corsica
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