muscat

A whole family of grapes

Muscat

A family of grape varieties cultivated since ancient times, there are several varieties of mainly white grapes: Moscato Bianco, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat Ottonel... They are available in France under the various appellations and types of wine for which they are famous. They produce sparkling white wines, such as Clairette-de-Die, late harvest Vendanges Tardive sweet white wines or Vins Doux Naturels such as the very famous Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscats de Rivesaltes, Muscats de Saint Jean de Minervois, Muscat du Cap Corse, Muscat de Lunel, Muscat de Mireval. Each type has adapted to very different climates and offer a wide range of possibilities. These dry, sweet and sparkling wines all have in common a very pronounced fruity perfume and a beautiful acidity.

WHERE IS IT FOUND?
In France and all over the world

FRANCE

- Languedoc-Roussilon
- Rhone Valley
- Alsace
- Corsica

WORLDWIDE

- Italy
- Spain
- Portugal
- Morocco
- South Africa
- Greece
- Argentina
- United States
- Chile
- Austria

MAIN APPELLATIONS
By type of wine: Sweet, dry and sparkling whites

Alsace
Alsace Muscat Grand Cru

Alsace
Alsace Muscat Grand Cru (Vendanges Tardives or Sélection Grains Nobles)

Muscat de Beaumes de Venise / Muscat de Frontignan / Muscats de Rivesaltes (obligatory) / Muscats de Saint Jean de Minervois / Muscat du Cap Corse / Muscat de Lunel / Muscat de Mireval / Moscatelle de Valencia (Spain)

Clairette de Die
Moscato d’Asti, Asti spumante (Italy)

SHALL WE TASTE?
In the galss

dry whites

Pale and limpid complexion. Wine releases exuberant fruity (grape, citrus, exotic fruit, guava) and floral (rose) notes. Lots of crispness and freshness varying according to the variety:

- Muscat blanc : Combined with Muscat Ottonel in Alsace it gives a dry and fruity white wine with the characteristic flavour of fresh grapes and a refreshing bitterness.

- Muscat d'Alexandrie: Less fragrant than the others, but more productive.

- Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains: More alcoholic and more fragrant.

- Muscat Ottonel: Characteristic musky flavour.

sweet whites

Sweet and syrupy fruity white wines that retain the taste of grape.

FORTIFIED WINES

Amber to tiled colour. Sweet wine with accentuated and ample aromas and an exquisite suave texture. Typical notes of nuts, tobacco, raisins, coffee, cocoa and candied fruit. Good ageing potential.

sparkling

- In the Drôme, it is part of the composition of Clairette de Die: Pleasant and thirst-quenching. Fruity (apple, peach, grape) and floral (jasmine, acacia) in the mouth with fine bubbles.

- In Italy, Muscat produces a sparkling wine, the Moscato d'Asti: straw yellow colour. A sweet sparkling wine with aromas of grapes and sun-drenched orchard fruit. Essences of orange blossom.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS
All the Muscats around the table

dry whites

Alsace Muscat is ideal as an aperitif (savoury tarts, cakes, vegetable terrines). Accompanies asparagus, salad (without vinegar dressing). White meats. Asian cuisine. Goat cheese, Munster cheese.

sweet whites

Foie gras, blue cheeses. Spicy food. White, yellow or exotic fruit tart.

FORTIFIED WINES

Blue-veined cheeses. Chocolate desserts, caramel cream, flambéed pears.

sparkling

- Clairette de Die : Aperitif. Sweet and sour dishes. Dessert: fruit tart, fruit salad, ice cream, strawberry charlotte, brioche...

- Moscato d'Asti: All desserts especially sweet delicacies, panettone, creamy desserts: tiramisu, panna cotta...

OUR MUSCATS...

MORE INFORMATION

Muscat Noir :

While Muscat Blanc (white) is more common there does actually exist a red grape Muscat. Also known as Moscatello Nero or Black Frontignan. It is part of the composition of Muscat Beaumes de Venise, appreciated for its sweetness and juiciness. It can be recognized by its strong musky notes. It exudes a rich range of aromas (lemon blossom, beeswax, linden).