I am writing this not only because it is a fun subject, but
many people ask me what’s the difference between Muscat, Muscadelle, and
Muscadet and some other similar wines. What follows is some good info; so the
next time you go into your favorite wine shop you have it all straight….
Let’s talk about Muscat first. There are many pseudonyms for
this grape. For example Moscato (in Italy ), Muskadel (in South Africa ), Muskateller
(in Germany ) and Moscatel (in both Spain and Portugal ). Phew!!!
Why can’t everybody just agree on one freakin’ name, right?
Life would be too easy.
To make it even more confusing, Muscat can have various
names attached to it, such as “ Alexandria ”, “Ottonel”, and the rather drawn-out
phrase “Blanc à Petits Grains”. But don’t focus on these add-on phrases –
they’re just different varieties of the same grape, and all will be extremely sweet-scented,
aromatic and grapey.
So, just note that Dry or Sweet; Still, Sparkling, or Fortified:
Muscat has a discrete aroma and flavor that is absolutely beautifully
delicious.
The next one is Muscadelle, which is not related to Muscat
at all. Just to be clear….
Muscadelle, is one of the three grapes allowed for white French Bordeaux, the other two more notable grapes being Sauvignon blanc and Sémillon.
Muscadelle is commonly used to add a tangy and tasty, youthfulness
to white Bordeaux blends. It hardly ever gets top billing because it lacks the characteristics
necessary to make a single varietal wine you’d call yummy. But it’s a matter of
taste. If you see one, pick it up and try it.
Wait! hold your horses!
There is one exception to this Muscadelle rule and it is in
Australia, where Muscadelle is used on its own to produce lusciously sweet
fortified wines. The grape is called “Tokay” over there. Don’t ask why. But it
is incredible! By the way, there is Tojaji from Hungary which Peter the Great
used to drink calling it the “Wine of Kings” …but that’s another story.
Finally, there’s Muscadet. A popular LIGHT and DRY wine
produced in the western part of France's Loire region.
Distinct from most other wines in France, the name of the
wine is not taken from a town or geographic area, but rather from a grape known
locally called Muscadet, even though its proper name is Melon de Bourgogne.
Although it can be a bit neutral in flavor, Muscadet has a
lot of energy. It is dry with a crisp zippy acidity, making it a great match
for shellfish. You might see the term “sur lie” on the label. If you do, make
sure to buy that one because it has been aged on the lees (with all the wine
sediment), and this lends a delicious richness to the wine.
I hope this helps clarify Muscat, Muscadelle, and Muscadet;
because it’s really great stuff and if you love wine you should be having a lot
of these three.