Understanding Muscat

July 17, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                      CONTACT:

Sarah Gustafson

                                                                                                            951-676-5047 x114

POOR,  LITTLE, DISRESPECTED

AND MISUNDERSTOOD MUSCAT

July 11, 2007 (Temecula CA) ---  When you think about white wines, those from the Muscat family probably are way down on your list. You are not alone. Muscats are often referred to as “quantitatively insignificant”, meaning that not many folks purchase and drink Muscats. It can be made many different ways from super sweet to sparkling to bone dry. In some parts of the world a strain of Muscat is even made into Sherry in outdoor soleras. Then there are the different varieties within the Muscat family, from Orange Muscat to Muscat Canelli to Muscat Blanc to Muscat Hamberg…the list goes on and on. Given the multitude of varieties and styles, it’s probably no wonder that it’s not more popular. No one is quite sure what to expect when they taste it. The Muscat family also suffers from the identity crisis of being homeless. It is planted so wide spread, in so many countries, that defining where it originated is nearly impossible.

Lest you feel sorry for the fledging, runt of the litter of grapes, listen to this fun little factoid. Quoting Jancis Robinson from her outstanding book “Vines, Grapes and Wine,” published in 1986 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc: “Muscat vines are thought to be the oldest known to and recognized by man. There is even a theory that the Pinot family is descended from Muscat (and) indeed that all Vitis vinifera vines are mutations and strains of Muscat.” Interesting! Muscat could be the grandparent of every wine grape we know. How do you feel about the importance of Muscat now?

Here at Mount Palomar, we have recently released our own version of this noble variety, called Muscato di Amore. Ours is made with Muscat Blanc (also known around the world as Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains). It is sweet, with a residual sugar of 8.9%, and comes with a little bit of a surprise – bubbles! It is a light, sparkling wine, a style referred to as frizzante. It has delightful aromas of honeysuckle, white peaches, mango and spice. Once in your mouth, the bubbles take over to make it very lively and refreshing with a long, clean, lingering finish. Serve it cold as a dessert wine or aperitif. So before you turn your nose up at this wine, give it a try – you will be surprised. If indeed Muscat is the grandparent of all grapes we know, it would be rude to disrespect our elders.

Craig Boyd, Winemaker, Mount Palomar Winery.  For more information contact the winery at (951) 676-5047.

#    #    #