The Wine Reference🍷 SupportMuscat grape
Muscat is a white grape known for floral, peach, grape. Its best-known homes are Alsace, Italy.
Origin and history
One of the oldest grape families known; Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is thought to have spread around the Mediterranean from ancient Greece.
Where it grows
Alsace, Piedmont (Asti), southern France, Spain, Portugal (Setúbal), Greece (Samos), Austria and Rutherglen in Australia.
Structure
Light to full body depending on style, moderate acidity; made dry, gently sparkling, sweet or fortified.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: grapey, orange blossom, peach, rose and musk. With age (sweet/fortified): raisin, toffee, marmalade and coffee.
Ageing
Dry and sparkling styles are best young (1–3 years); fortified Rutherglen Muscat and sweet Samos can last decades.
Also known as
Moscato, Moscatel, Muskateller, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Ottonel.
Good to know
It is one of very few grapes whose wine actually smells of fresh grapes; Moscato d'Asti and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise are famous examples.
Muscat wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Telmo Rodríguez Molino Real
Málaga · Sierras de Málaga · Muscat
Late-harvest Moscatel from the Axarquía hills, honeyed apricot and orange blossom with bright acidity.
Food: Fruit tarts, foie gras, almond cake
Bodegas Enrique Mendoza Moscatel de la Marina
Alicante · Marina Alta · Muscat
Fresh, grapey sweet Moscatel with orange peel, honey and floral notes.
Food: Fruit salad, turrón, blue cheese
Campbells Rutherglen Muscat
Rutherglen · Muscat
Rich, luscious fortified Muscat with raisin, rose petal, toffee and coffee.
Food: Sticky toffee pudding, chocolate, ice cream
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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