Moscatel
@DiariSommelier
Muscat is one of the most approachable grape varieties around. I make this assertion based on the simple fact that this varietal is mostly known for its sweet wines. And it is these sweet wines that we even let some of the youngest members of the family sip on special occasions. The way into wine drinking is generally through sweet wines and these, of course, are often made from this varietal.
On the nose, the Muscat wine is full of aromas of white fruit, stone fruit and even tropical fruit, which can also be complemented by floral notes. On the palote, the Muscat wine is both subtle and pleasant.
In Spain, you can find this varietal throughout the Levante area and in the southernmost part of Andalusia. Fon sweet wines, it is late-harvested and often sundried, but we are increasingly seeing it produced dry. In the dry version, you will also find these various aromas of fruits and flowers but in a fresher form than those in the sweet wines.
I think it is true to say that Muscat is a Mediterranean grape par excellence but, depending on the country where it is planted, it is used in different ways. As well as being utilised to make wine it is
