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Wine Details
Price:
$9.99 per bottle
Description:
Corbet Clark, American Wines of the Northwest: "Muscat - a neglected grape, but one that can produce remarkably good wines in Washington. The trademark of all Muscat is an extremely aromatic quality - it smells like a whole collection of tropical fruits and flowers. This pungency sets it apart from almost any other white grape...."
Corbet Clark goes on to say: "Muscat grows well in eastern Washington, is a heavy producer, and generally made into a fairly sweet, low-alcohol wine, emphasizing the fresh fruit qualities of the grape. Lighter and subtler than California Muscats......".
This wine continues to be one of the winemaker's favorite and more than any other variety, shows off his flair with the light and fruity varietals. This wine differs from the norm when it comes to Muscats in that it is finished with just under 4% residual sweetness and a relatively high acid. A delight by itself, this wonderfully balanced wine is also a suitable compliment for any shellfish meal and goes especially well with food prepared with lots of garlic or spice. An exceptional "sipping and sniffing" wine.
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Varietal Definition
Muscat:
Muscat, thought to be one of the oldest grape varieties, is grown worldwide. It is vinified in a multitude of styles, from still to sparkling, and dry to sweet to fortified. Also called Moscato, Moscatel and Muskateller, it is a sweetly aromatic, fruity grape that has many genetic variations and colors. It probably originated in Greece but maybe the independent sultanate of Muscat in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula had something to do with it. Over 200 different varieties and derivatives to the Muscat family exist today. Muscat Canelli, Orange Muscat and Black Muscat are varieties most planted in California, which makes primarily still wine. More unusual is Muscat fermented to total dryness, which leaves greater alcohol levels and no residual sugar. Some Muscats are aged in oak to provide additional complexity.Today’s recommended Muscats represent many of these styles, so use the tasting notes and percent of residual sugar - listed if provided by the winery - to find a wine you’ll enjoy. The more sugar and the lower the alcohol, the sweeter the wine, though wines above 10 percent alcohol can also be somewhat sweet.
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Muscat Canelli:
Known by many names, this grape’s official French name is Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, which translates as ‘Muscat with small berries’. In California, the name Muscat Canelli is common, derived from Moscato di Canelli, a name used in Italy. In the northern hemisphere this late-ripening variety is mainly used to make semi-sweet and sweet dessert wines, or as a table grape. Grown in many countries, including Austria and Germany (Muskateller), Hungary (Muscat Lunel), and France (Muscat Frontignan), it may be the oldest known grape, confirmed as growing around the Mediterranean for centuries. However, it should not be confused with Muscat of Alexandria, a grape with a similar ancient history in the same region.
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