The Orange Muscat
Grape
A small-berried Muscat variety producing aromatic wines with a distinct orange zest character, along with floral and spice notes. It is used to make sweet dessert wines and occasionally dry or semi-dry wines, showcasing the variety's unique citrus profile.
Orange Muscat
Grape History
Orange Muscat is a grape variety that has a long and fascinating history, with its origins shrouded in mystery. While it is often associated with the Muscat family of grapes known for their aromatic qualities, Orange Muscat is distinct in its own right.
The exact origins of Orange Muscat are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Europe, possibly in Italy or France. The grape is a cross between Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and the Axina de Tres Bias grape varieties. The name "Orange Muscat" comes from the distinct orange-like aroma and flavor profile that the grape exhibits, distinguishing it from other Muscat varieties.
Orange Muscat grapes are primarily grown in warm, sunny regions that are conducive to the grape's optimal ripening. Some of the major regions where Orange Muscat is grown include California, Australia, and South Africa. In California, the Central Valley and Central Coast regions are particularly known for producing high-quality Orange Muscat grapes.
This grape variety is primarily used in winemaking to produce dessert wines, particularly in the style of late-harvest or fortified wines. Orange Muscat wines are known for their floral aromas, citrusy flavors, and a touch of sweetness. These wines are often enjoyed as aperitifs or paired with fruit-based desserts, cheeses, or spicy dishes.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Orange Muscat wines among wine enthusiasts and winemakers alike. The unique flavor profile of Orange Muscat, with its aromatic qualities and versatility in winemaking, has piqued the curiosity of consumers looking for something different. As a result, some wineries are experimenting with Orange Muscat in blends or as a standalone varietal wine.
The future of Orange Muscat as a wine grape variety looks promising, as it continues to gain recognition and appreciation in the wine world. With its distinct characteristics and ability to create enticing dessert wines, Orange Muscat is likely to remain a beloved grape variety among wine lovers and winemakers for years to come.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel