When we talk about Muscat, we often think it is a single grape variety. In reality,
Muscat is a family of grape varieties comprising
around 200 different varieties, mainly white but also black and rosé! Moreover, while some of these varieties are solely dedicated to the table, others allow for the production of wine...and others are appreciated both in the glass and at the table!
But then, what are the main muscats used to produce wine? What types of wine does it allow to produce? How to ideally taste them? Where is it cultivated?
You will know the answer to all these questions after reading this article!
Origins, places of cultivation, and varieties of Muscat
The Muscat blanc à petits grains is the first known variety of Muscat. Of Greek origin, it has been cultivated since Antiquity and is believed to have arrived in France under the name Apiena Uva (which translates to "grape attracting bees") thanks to the Romans at the beginning of our era.
Preferring warm climates, it naturally thrives wonderfully well within the Mediterranean basin. Thus, there are currently
7,000 hectares of Muscat within the French vineyard, almost all located within the regions
Languedoc-Roussillon,
Provence and
southern Rhône Valley.
Globally, the Muscat family is present in many countries such as
Italy, Greece, Turkey,
Spain, and Portugal, covering nearly
45,000 hectares.
Over time, countless varieties of Muscat have developed: Muscat Aviv, Muscat Azos, Muscat Bifère, Muscat Bouschet, etc. However, there are 3 main varieties of Muscat used for wine production:
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
As mentioned earlier, it is the oldest variety. It is also the most cultivated. It is used to produce dry, sparkling, and sweet wines.Its aroma evolves with notes of exotic fruits (lychee, mango, pineapple), orange or even rose.
The Muscat blanc d'Alexandrie
The Muscat blanc d'Alexandrie is often used in blending and is primarily used to vinify sweet wines. Its berries are very fragrant and its aroma evolves with notes of peach, pear, mirabelle plum as well as floral aromas.
The Muscat blanc Ottonel
With barely 200 hectares planted in France, it is the least used variety of the three. Essentially present in Alsace, it produces wines that are both dry and sweet (Late Harvest and Selection of Noble Grains). Most of the time, Muscat d'Alsace is a Muscat made from a blend of Muscat with small berries and Muscat Ottonel. The latter evokes seductive primary aromas of fresh grapes and flowers.
Muscat blanc d'Alexandrie - Muscat blanc à petits grains - Muscat Ottonel
The brilliant aromatics of Muscat
Without a doubt, the success of Muscat is primarily due to its rich and exuberant aromatics as well as its great malleability.
Indeed, this allows the production of
dry white wines,
sparkling wines (Clairette de Die, Moscato d'Asti),
orange wines,
sweet wines "classic" but also
Vins Doux Naturels like Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise,
Muscat de Rivesaltes, Muscat de Frontignan, or Muscat du Cap-Corse. As a reminder, these latter wines experience a planned halt in their fermentation through the addition of wine alcohol, allowing the preservation of the sugars naturally present in the final wine.
In any case, all wines from the Muscat family share a similar characteristic: a unique and seductive aroma.
It is indeed relatively easy to distinguish a bottle made from Muscat blindly because few wines are so aromatic! Fresh grape flavors delicately blend with citrus notes, exotic fruits (lychee, pineapple, mango) as well as floral aromas (rose, linden, jasmine) and sometimes honey. Hard to resist!
With which dishes should Muscat be paired ?
Muscat allows the production of different types of wine, a multitude of culinary pairings will be possible depending on the style you choose.
Thus, with a dry white Muscat (without residual sugars), one 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 Moscato d'Asti, the pairings with a fresh fruit salad or a fruit tart (apples, pears, strawberries, etc.) will be very successful. One can also imagine a combination with sweet and savory cuisine like scallops with mango or even a ceviche.
An orange wine made from Muscat will pair divinely well with goat cheeses of varying maturity, Comté, Abondance, or even Mimolette. Poultry as well as sweet and savory dishes like duck à l'orange will also be excellent choices with this type of wine.
Finally, for "classic" sweet wines and Vins Doux Naturels, one can easily imagine foie gras, blue-veined cheeses (Blue, Roquefort) or fruit desserts.
Dry white Muscat and asparagus, a successful pairing
Ideally tasting a Muscat (temperature and storage)
In order to ideally taste your Muscat, you will once again need to consider its style.
Thus, for a dry white Muscat, a serving temperature between 8 and 10°C will be ideal to reveal all its fruity aromas while enjoying a nice freshness. Furthermore, it is preferable to taste this type of wine in its youth (during the first 5 years) to fully enjoy its bright fruity and floral flavors.
Regarding sparkling Muscats, a temperature of 6-8°C will be perfect to enjoy all the freshness these delightful bubbles offer. Just like with dry white Muscats, a fairly quick consumption is advisable here.
For an orange wine based on Muscat, due to the presence of light tannins, a slightly higher serving temperature will be preferable. Thus, a serving range between 12 and 14°C will be perfect. From an aging potential perspective, this type of wine is also best enjoyed in its youth.
Finally, for natural sweet wines based on Muscat, the ideal temperature will be between 8-10°C to balance the significant sugar presence.This type of wine can be consumed young to enjoy very intense fruity aromas but can also be stored for 10 years or more. In this case, the aromas will evolve towards flavors of orange and candied fruits.
What are the best Muscats ?
Although it is complex to provide you with a list of the best Muscats,
La Cave Éclairée we offer a selection of this grape variety from the
Domaine des Schistes.Do not hesitate to discover it, guaranteed pleasure!
You now only have to
combine practice with theory and pour yourself a glass! Of course, if you need advice,
La Cave Éclairée we remain at your complete disposal... cheers!
Late harvest Muscat in Corsica
