Overview
Muscat is a large family of aromatic grapes known for producing wines with intense floral aromas and sweet fruit flavors. Muscat wines often show notes of grapes, orange blossom, and tropical fruit, making them some of the most recognizable aromatic wines in the world. Depending on the region and style, Muscat can produce wines that range from dry to sweet, as well as sparkling and fortified wines.
Grape Origin
Muscat is believed to have ancient origins in the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Over time many different varieties developed, including Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat of Alexandria, and Muscat Ottonel. Today Muscat grapes are grown in many wine regions around the world.
Flavor Profile
Orange blossom
Grapes
Peach
Apricot
Mango
Honey
Citrus
Floral notes
Structure
Muscat is known for its intense aromatics and fruit-forward character.
Sweetness: Dry to Sweet
Body: Light
Acidity: Medium
Alcohol (ABV): Low — typically 9–12.5%
Where it Grows
Wine Styles
Moscato d’Asti produces lightly sparkling wines with fresh fruit and gentle sweetness.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains wines often show floral aromatics and vibrant fruit.
Fortified Muscat wines develop rich flavors of honey, dried fruit, and spice.
Food Pairing
Muscat pairs well with aromatic and spicy foods as well as desserts.
Spicy Foods: curry, Pad Thai, spicy chicken
Sides: hummus, strong cheese, prosciutto
Local Eats: blanquette de veau, duck
Sweet Styles: baklava, almond cake, pudding
Fun Fact
Muscat grapes are among the oldest known cultivated grape varieties, with a history that dates back thousands of years in the Mediterranean region.
Jump to a wine:
- White Wines
- Albariño
- Aligoté
- Arinto
- Assyrtiko
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Cortese
- Fiano
- Furmint
- Garganega
- Gewürztraminer
- Grechetto
- Grüner Veltliner
- Malvasia
- Marsanne
- Müller-Thurgau
- Muscadet
- Muscat
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Gris
- Riesling
- Roussanne
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Sémillon
- Torrontés
- Trebbiano
- Verdejo
- Verdicchio
- Viognier
- Viura
- German & Austrian White Blends
- Italian White Blends
- Mediterranean White Blends
- Portuguese White Blends
- Rhône White Blends
- Spanish White Blends
- White Bordeaux
- Red Wines
- Agiorgitiko
- Aglianico
- Barbera
- Blaufränkisch
- Cabernet Franc
- Bordeaux
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- California Red Blends
- Carignan
- Carménère
- Chianti
- Corvina
- Dolcetto
- Gamay
- Grenache
- Malbec
- Mencía
- Merlot
- Montepulciano
- Mourvèdre
- Nebbiolo
- Negroamaro
- Nero d’Avola
- Petite Verdot
- Pinotage
- Pinot Noir
- Portuguese Red Blend (Douro)
- Sangiovese
- Rhône Red Blend (GSM)
- Rioja Red Blend
- Super Tuscan Red Blend
- Syrah
- Tannat
- Tempranillo
- Touriga Nacional
- Xinomavro
- Zinfandel