Muscat is a one of the oldest and most well known grape families in the world. Ranging from table grapes to grapes strictly used for wine production, there are over 200 varieties belonging to the Muscat family. Its origins go back to early Greece. The colour of grapes can vary from white to almost black, the most popular of the Muscat family is a light to medium yellow.
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
