Muscat Blanc, also known as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains or simply Muscat, is a white grape variety grown primarily in France, Italy, Spain, and Australia, known for producing aromatic and sweet wines with a range of flavours.
Muscat Blanc is considered one of the oldest grape varieties in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years. Muscat Blanc typically has intense floral and fruity aromas, with notes of orange blossom, rose, and apricot. On the palate, Muscat Blanc can have a range of flavours, from sweet tropical fruits to honey and caramel, with a luscious and velvety mouthfeel and a crisp acidity that balances the sweetness.
Muscat Blanc is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, including spicy cuisine, desserts, and cheese. The wine's intense aromas and sweet character make it a perfect match for spicy Thai and Indian dishes, as well as desserts such as fruit tarts, crème brûlée, and chocolate cake. Muscat Blanc can be enjoyed young, with a bright and fresh character, or aged for a few years, developing a more complex flavour profile with honeyed and nutty notes.
Some of the finest examples of Muscat Blanc wines come from the appellations of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise in the Rhône Valley of France, and the Muscat of Alexandria from Australia.