Muscat

Mostly known for its use in Moscato, which is a sweet white wine, Muscat grapes actually refer to about 200 different grape varieties. It is believed that these grapes date back to 3000-1000 BCE—some even think it’s as early as 800 BCE. The variance in flavor profile is huge, but there are some commonalities when used to make wine, such as a floral nose and a syrupy quality.

Muscats are often sipped with desserts, as an after-dinner drink or with cheese. In Chile, the majority of Muscat grapes turn into distilled pisco. Late-harvest wines produced in Austria contain Muscat of Ottonel. Among the most popular Muscat grapes is Muscat blanc à Petits Grains, grown in the United States, France, Australia, Greece, Italy, South Africa, and Spain.

Quick Facts

• The application of Muscat varies, from elegant wines in France (several Muscat grape varietals) to jug wines in California using Muscat of Alexandria
• Up until the early 2000s, Muscat of Alexandria was the fourth-most planted white wine grape in South Africa, as the grapes were used to make raisins and grape concentrate
• Muscat is unique in that it can be both a fine wine and a table wine grape