Ep 307: The Grape Miniseries -- Muscat (the Granddaddy of them all)

<p>To kick off 2020, we have the original wine grape, the one from which so many were derived: MUSCAT! In the show we discuss the three main types of Muscat and the wines and regions that you need to seek out to get a taste of this ancient, delicious, complex grape. </p> <p>As M.C. Ice requests in the middle of the show...here are the notes! </p> <p><strong>What is Muscat? Overview</strong></p> <ul> <li>A grape from which derives a complicated family of grapes that includes over 200 varieties of all colors</li> <li>It was most likely a Greek grape, brought to the south of France and Sicily by the Phoenicians</li> <li>It's known for its floral perfume and grapey flavor. The grape is spicy with orange notes, and has relatively low acidity</li> <li>Styles range from dry to late harvest to fortified to sparkling</li> <li>Berries are gold, pink, or black and the variation within vines, mean flavors can vary</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>The main types of Muscat:</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains</strong> is the oldest grape</p> <ul> <li>Needs a long growing season, disease prone, doesn’t like humidity</li> <li>The most refined, classic Muscat, it is small berried, with a delicate but layered aroma</li> <li>Also known as: Moscato Bianco, came to Italy in the 1300s</li> <li>Common grapes derived from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains: Moscato Giallo, Aleatico (red), Mammolo (red)</li> </ul> <p><img class="mw-mmv-final-image jpg" style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Villeneuve-les-Corbi%C3%A8res_Muscat_petit_grain.jpg" alt="" width="336" height="251" crossorigin="anonymous" /></p> <p>2.  <strong>Muscat of Alexandria</strong></p> <ul> <li>Natural cross of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Axina de Tres Bias, old black table grape grown on Sardegna, Malta, Greek Islands</li> <li>Not from Alexandria in Egypt! </li> <li>Mid budding, late ripening, likes heat, big bunches, big berries, great for heat. Susceptible to powdery m