Muscat

Muscat is the rare grape that smells exactly like grapes. Orange blossom, honey and fresh table fruit, in styles running from bone dry through to properly sweet.

Canadian versions lean aromatic and light, and the cool nights here keep the acidity from going flabby. Check the label before you pour, because dry and dessert styles sit side by side on this page.

Every bottle ships straight from the winery that made it.
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Muscat is used to produce a variety of wines including dry, medium, sweet, sparkling, dessert and even Icewine. Muscat wines typically have very strong perfume-like aromas consisting of rose, citrus and tropical fruit. Muscat is often used as a blending ingredient in wine, it’s added to give wine a burst of fruit flavour and a more powerful aroma.

Muscat grapes prefer warm climates but can grow in most winemaking regions around the world, most notably in Italy, France, Spain, Australia, Greece and California. Muscat grapes are not widely grown in Canada, but there are a few regions that grow Muscat or Muscat hybrids in Nova Scotia, Ontario and British Columbia.

In summary, Muscat has the following characteristics:

  • One of the oldest and most well known grape families
  • Over 200 grape varieties
  • Colour of grapes vary from white to almost black
  • Used to produce a variety of wines
  • Very strong perfume-like aroma consisting of rose, citrus and tropical fruit
  • Strong fresh fruit flavours
  • Often used a blending ingredient with other wines
  • Grown in most winemaking regions across the world
  • Not widely grown in Canada, but can be found in Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Ontario
  • Over 200 grape varieties

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does Muscat wine taste like, and is it always sweet?

A: Muscat is famous for big floral aromas, think rose, orange blossom, and ripe grape, with citrus and tropical fruit in the mix. It is not always sweet; Muscat can be made dry, off-dry, fully sweet, sparkling, or even dessert-style. If you like aromatic whites like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, Muscat is often a good next pick.

Q: How do I know if a Muscat is dry, off-dry, or sweet before I buy?

A: Look for clues like “dry,” “sec,” or “brut” for drier styles, and “late harvest,” “dessert,” or “Icewine” for sweeter ones. Alcohol can hint too, lower alcohol often shows up in sweeter, lighter-bodied Muscat wines. When in doubt, expect Muscat to taste fruit-forward, with the sweetness level depending on the style.

Q: What foods pair best with Muscat wines?

A: Muscat loves spicy and salty foods because its aromatics and fruit can calm heat and lift flavour. Try it with Thai takeout, jerk chicken, sushi, or a cheeseboard with tangy chèvre. Sweeter Muscat also works nicely with fruit desserts, butter tarts, or a simple bowl of berries.

Q: Who is the Muscat collection best for, beginners or wine nerds?

A: Honestly, both. Beginners tend to love Muscat because it is so aromatic and easy to “get” right away, even if you do not know a lot of wine terms. More experienced drinkers like it for its range, from crisp and dry to lush dessert styles.

Q: Is Muscat the same grape as Moscato, and why does it smell so “perfumey”?

A: Moscato is simply the Italian name for Muscat, so you are usually looking at the same grape family. That perfumey character is real grape aroma, not added flavour, and it comes through strongly in Muscat compared to many other varieties. Fun fact, Muscat is one of the oldest grape families, with loads of different clones and colours.