The Muscat Grape

The Muscat family includes over 200 grape varieties that have been used in wine production for many centuries.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is a white wine grape of Greek origin. The name comes from its small berry size and tight clusters. It is known under a variety of names (see below)

Muscat of Alexandria is characterized by its great aromatic power and high sugar content. The fruits of the bunch are larger and oval than those of the small-grained Muscat. It is also known under many different names.

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Dry White Wines

Muscat grapes can be used produce dry white wines, often characterized by their floral and fruity aromas with notes of peach, orange blossom, and honey. These wines are typically light and refreshing.

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Fortified Wines

Muscat grapes are also used to make fortified wines, which have higher alcohol content due to the addition of spirits.

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Muscat Blanc in France

In France, the grape is called Muscat Blanc or Muscat à Petits Grains.

It is used to produce dry white wines, natural sweet wines (vins doux naturels) and sparkling wines.

Muscat d'Alsace is a dry table wine with a fruity aroma, and a light fresh body that makes it an excellent aperitif.

Muscat de Rivesaltes is a sweet fortified wine from the Roussilon region.

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is a sweet fortified wine from southern Rhone, with flavors of flowers, apricot, citrus and honey.

Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de Lunel, Muscat de Mireval are all natural sweet dessert wines from the Languedoc region, produced exclusively by the Muscat grape.

Clairette de Die is a sparkling wine from the town of Die in the northern Rhone region. It is made from a blend of Muscat Blanc and the Clairette grape, producing a sparkling white wine with a fruity, musky taste.

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Moscatel in Portugal and Spain

Examples include:

• Moscatel de Alejandra (Spain)
• Moscatel de Setúbal (Portugal)

These wines are rich, sweet, and intensely aromatic.

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Moscato Bianco in Italia

In Italy, the grap is called Moscato Bianco.

It is used to produce dry, sweet, sparkling, and fortified wines.

The popular Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante wines are light, slightly sweet alternatives for celebrations and as an aperitif.

Moscato di Siracusa

Moscadello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s best sweet wines.

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Zibibbo in Sicily

The name Zibibbo is commonly used in Italy, particularly in Sicily, where it has historical significance.

Zibibbo is often associated with sweet or fortified wines, it is also used to produce dry wines, particularly in Sicily.

Zibibbo Secco can offer a unique and aromatic drinking experience.

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Muscat of Alexandria in Greece

White wines from Limnos are made from Moschato Aspro and Muscat of Alexandria. It is vinified dry, semi-dry and medium sweet.

PDO Muscat of Limnos dessert wines may be either vin naturellement dour (sun-dried grapes) or vin doux naturel – vin de liqueur (fortified).

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South Africa

Constantia is a South African dessert wine made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes in the district of Constantia in Cape Town.

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Muscat in Australia

Different types of Muscat grapes are grown in Australia. Different wine styles have been developed ranging from crisp dry whites to late harvest sweet wines and the famous fortified Liqueur Muscats.

Fortified Muscats are produced in Rutherglen and Glenrowan in northeast Victoria. The grape is Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains.