---
title: Muscat
description: All about the mysterious Muscat grape.
---

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# Muscat: The Master of Disguise

![Muscat blanc à petits grains Viala et Vermorel](https://www.wineforrookies.com/hs-fs/images/Muscat_blanc_%C3%A0_petits_grains_Viala_et_Vermorel.jpg?width=313&height=482&name=Muscat_blanc_%C3%A0_petits_grains_Viala_et_Vermorel.jpg "Muscat blanc à petits grains Viala et Vermorel")Muscat has numerous claims to fame:

- Possibly the world's oldest variety.
- Its penchant for mutation - there are hundreds of varieties, both white and red. The most famous varieties?
- Its heady aromatics
- Its versaility, making wines that run the gamut from bone dry to sticky sweet, sparkling, still and fortified.

Viticulture & Viniculture

Muscat is unlike the majority of it's *[vitis vinifera](https://www.wineforrookies.com/Wine-101/wine-terminology/#VV)* brethren in a number of ways:

- Owing to Muscat's penchant for mutation, it is not uncommon to see different colored grapes on the same bunch. 
- The grapes are small and the yields are generally low (not a recipe for a moneymaker).
- It thrives in relatively fertile soils (most *[vitis vinfera](https://www.wineforrookies.com/Wine-101/wine-terminology/#VV)* varieties prefer a challenge).
- It does, however, it thrives in a variety of climates from cold to hot.

Common Descriptors

- Acidity: medium to medium plus
- Alcohol: high
- Body: Medium to full
- Aroma & flavors: dried or fresh mango,  rosewater, lime blossom, orange peel, musk, and, of course,  grapey ;)(novel that something made from grapes tastes like grapes).

Places it is happiest

 

Oh boy! Where to begin? Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is one peripatetic little beast! Not only does this baby get around (if you know what we mean), but it seems to adopt a new name wherever it goes!

| Old World | New World |
| --- | --- |
| - Italy: it is grown in the northwest in Piedmont where it is known as Moscato Bianco. - France:  - Greece: - Germany:  |   - Australia: - South Africa:  - California:   |