{"id":4909,"date":"2018-09-24T21:34:04","date_gmt":"2018-09-24T21:34:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=grape&p=4909"},"modified":"2024-08-12T20:12:34","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T00:12:34","slug":"muscadelle","status":"publish","type":"grape","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/muscadelle\/","title":{"rendered":"Muscadelle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Muscadelle Wine Profile<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Muscadelle<\/strong><\/span> is often confused with Muscat<\/strong><\/span><\/a> because of the similarity of both name and of aromatics, but genetic testing has proven that the two are not related. No matter; as one of the main three grapes in Bordeaux Blanc<\/strong><\/a>, Muscadelle<\/em> has more than enough work cut out for itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although usually the smallest portion of Bordeaux Blanc blends, Muscadelle provides those gorgeous aromas that we all love so much. Sauternes<\/strong><\/a><\/span> just wouldn\u2019t be Sauternes without it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muscadelle Tasting Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s very seldom bottled on its own so tasting profiles are based on the blends in which it can be found. Bordeaux Blancs exhibit bright grapefruit, sweet lime, honeysuckle, and pears. Some lean in a richer direction with a more honeyed note. Sauternes and other dessert wines made with Muscadelle have rich apricot, honeysuckle, candied ginger and mango notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food Pairing Muscadelle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pairings for Muscadelle blends depend on whether the wine is dry or sweet. Dry Bordeaux blanc blends call for seafood, poultry, or even roasted pork dishes. It\u2019s incredibly versatile and can work a huge range of dishes as long as the food isn\u2019t overly spicy or heavily seasoned. Dessert wines made with Muscadelle are traditionally paired with foie gras or other p\u00e2t\u00e9s, bleu cheese, cr\u00e8me br\u00fbl\u00e9e, and soft cheeses. One secret yet incredible pairing is sushi with a sweet Muscadelle<\/strong><\/em>. Just trust us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wine Growing Regions for Muscadelle<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

France is the undisputed home of Muscadelle and it is best known in Bordeaux. Grown throughout the general Bordeaux AOC, it can be found in standard Bordeaux blanc blends. More specified regions include Sauternes<\/a><\/strong> and Barsac<\/a><\/strong>. Just to the south, it\u2019s also vinified in Bergerac for Monbazillac wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being best known out of Bordeaux, Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/span> actually produces more Muscadelle than anywhere else. Victoria, Rutherglen, and Glenrowan produce rich dessert wines that are highly valued. It had historically been known as Tokay in Australia but has since been changed to Topaque to avoid confusion with the Hungarian dessert wine Tokaji. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the United States, Muscadelle can be found in both California and Washington states, though production is admittedly quite small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out some of these Muscadelles from around the world: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n