Muscat / Moscato

An ancient family of grapes; the only ones that smell like grapes.

Muscat is among the oldest cultivated grapes — actually a family of related varieties (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat of Alexandria, Moscato, etc.). The defining character is intensely floral, grapey aromatics with low to moderate acid. Italy's lightly sparkling Moscato d'Asti is the everyday entry point at 5.5% ABV. Alsace dry Muscat, Greek Samos sweet Muscat, Australian Rutherglen fortified Muscat, and Spanish Moscatel sherry round out the global range.