Learn About the Varieties of Muscat Grapes

Muscat grapes are mostly grown for table grapes,Muscat of Alexandria. Also called Moscatel,
raisins and more importantly, wine. It belongs toMoscatel Romano, Moscatel de Málaga,
the species Vitis vinifera of which 99% of theMuscat Gordo Blanco, Hanepoot, Lexia, Moscatel
world's wine is produced. Ranging from white toGordo, and Zibibbo. This grape is one of only
almost black in color, Muscat grapes arethree permitted varieties used in a true sherry. It
harvested very late in the growing season, whichis also used to make moscatel or muscatel wines,
contributes to their very sweet taste.muscatel liqueurs such as Muscatel de Valencia
With over 200 varieties and derivatives, it is oneand Muscatel Passito among others and also for
of the most commonly grown grapes in thetable grape and raisin.
world. Much more, it is believed to be the oldestMuscat Ottonel. Also called Moskately, thrives in
variety of domesticated grapes known tocountries of cooler climates like Romania, Bulgaria,
mankind. There are even theories indicating thatAustria, Slovenia and Croatia for dessert wines,
most grapes of the Vitis vinifera speciesAlsace and Hungary for dry wines and in Italy for
originated from the Muscat variety. Here aresparkling wines.
some of its more popular variants:Orange Muscat. This variety which is mainly used
Muscat Blanc á Petit Grains. Also calledin California and Australia wineries for producing
Muscat Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Muscat Frontignan,dessert wines has a distinctive flavor of oranges.
Moscato Bianco, Muscat de Frontignan, MuscatMoscatel de Setúbal and Moscatel de
d'Alsace, Muskateller, Moscatel de Grano Menudo,Favaios. Usually served in bars or as an aperitif at
Moscatel Rosé,restaurants, these are the two most widely
Sárgamuskotály and Yellowconsumed varieties in Portugal.
Muscat depending on the country in which it isMuscat Crocant. In Serbia, it grows only on Pearl
produced. This particular variety has the mostIsland (Biserno Ostrvo) on Tisza River. Used for
sparkling flavors. It can be recognized in themaking dessert wine under the same name.
names Asti Spumante, Clairette de Die, Muscat deMoravian Muscat. Grown in Czech Republic, it is
Beaumes-de-Venise and some Tokaji wines.the most widespread among recent wine cultivars.
Moscato Giallo (Goldmuskateller). Also known asBecause of its many different varieties, the taste,
Moscato Rosa (Rosenmuskateller), it is though asaroma, and color of wines made from Muscat
a coloured version of the Muscat Blanc ágrapes vary from one place to another. Even the
Petit Grains.names of the different varieties cannot
Muscat Hamburg (Moscato di Amburgo). Alsoadequately describe the color of the fruit.
called Black Muscat, it is grown in Italy andDepending on the Muscat variety and wine making
Australia mainly for table grapes, in California as aprocess used, different kinds of wine may be
dessert wine and some European countries toproduced such as dry, light, heavy, and sweet.
make red wines like Malbec.