World Famous Grapes
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria is considered an "ancient vine", and one of the oldest unmodified vines in existence.
The grape is from North Africa, and the name is probably an association with Ancient Egyptians from Alexandria who used the grape both for wine making, eating and raisins.
Dry Muscat Flavors
Dry Dry Muscat has floral, citrus and spice aromas, like lemon, pear, nectarine, peach and orange blossom.
 Lemon |
 Pear |
 Peach |
 Nectarine |
 Mandarin |
 Orange Zest |
 Grapes |
 Honeysuckle |
Dry Muscat Profile
Dry Muscat is dry, fruity and delicate:
| SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
| BODY: | Medium |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ALCOHOL: | 12-13% ABV |
 |
Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Dry Muscat Food Pairing
Dry Muscat pairs well with Seafood, Fried Fish, and Fried Chicken.
 Aperitif |
 Oysters |
 Shrimps |
 Seafood |
 Fish |
 Chicken |
 Chips |
 Soft Cheese |
Excellent Pairings
Oysters. Mussels
Clams. Shrimps.
Plain Fish. Sea Bass.
Fried Fish. French Fries.
Fish and Chips.
Cheeses
Brie. Gouda. Raclette.
Goat Cheese. Feta. Robiola.
Soft Cheese. Washed-Rind Cheeses.
French Specialities
Snails or Prawns with Garlic.
Roast Chicken with French Fries.
The Ideal Glass for Dry Muscat
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A Riesling Glass has a tall and narrow bowl to emphasize the aromas of the wine. The shape also helps balance the high acidity often found in Rieslings. The glass is also perfect for any other bone dry wines with high acidity like Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Picpoul and Vinho Verde. |
Dry Muscat Cheese Pairing
Dry Muscat is known for its light, crisp, and sometimes slightly fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
Go for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.
You can also add fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
The tanginess of a Goat Cheese (Feta, Chèvre) will complements the subtle
fruit notes in Dry Muscat.
The delicate flavor of a Mozzarella pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta is especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Soft Cheeses
The creamy texture and mild flavors of a Brie work beautifully with Dry Muscat.
Camembert is similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
The nutty, buttery qualities of a Fontina can make a good match.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
A lightly aged Gouda can add a complementary tang to Dry Muscat.
Serra Estrela is classic Spanish pairing. It has a creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor.
Gruyère is mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
The mild creaminess of a Robiola or a Gorgonzola Dolce can contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
If You Like Dry Muscat
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The Muscat Grape
The Muscat family includes over 200 grape varieties that have been used in wine production (table grapes and raisins) for many centuries.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is a white wine grape of Greek origin. Its name comes from its small berry size and tight clusters. It is known under a variety of names like:
- Moscato bianco
- Muscat blanc
- Muscat Canelli
- Muscat de Frontignan
- Muscat de Lunel
- Muscat d'Alsace
- Muskateller
- Moscatel de Grano Menudo
- Moscatel rosé
- Sárgamuskotály
Muscat of Alexandria
The 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 as Muscat of fat grain, or Muscat of Málaga.
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.
Fortified Wines
Muscat grapes are also used to make fortified wines, which have higher alcohol content due to the addition of spirits.
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 and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise are a sweet fortified dessert wines with flavors of flowers, apricot, citrus and honey.
Clairette de Die is a sparkling wine from the town of Die in the eastern Rhone region of France. It is made from a blend of Muscat Blanc and the Clairette grape, producing a sparkling white wine with a fruity, musky taste.
Moscatel in Portugal and Spain
Examples include:
- Moscatel de Alejandra (Spain)
- Moscatel de Setúbal (Portugal)
These wines are rich, sweet, and intensely aromatic.
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.
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.
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).
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.