Out of the many types of Muscats, Muscat Blanc is the most widespread, with 45,000 hectares planted worldwide, only 6,500 of which are in France. From Alsace to Banyuls or Cape Corsica, this mythical Mediterranean variety produces both dry white wines and Vins Doux Naturels (Natural Sweet Wines). Early-ripening and hardy, it can be harvested early as well.
However, its susceptibility to disease and to sugar wasps actually make it quite fragile. Muscat Blanc thrives in stony, nutrient-poor soils in areas where the summer heat is tamed by the geography, producing delicious wines like the Saint Jean de Minervois Vin Doux Naturel, which is both fresh and sweet. Easily recognizable, Muscat offers powerful aromas of rose, lemon balm and white flowers. In dry wines, it can also be identified by its slightly bitter finish, which makes it quite thirst-quenching.
[ back ]
|
