Muscat
The Muscat variety of grapes, of the species Vitis vinifera, are grown the world over. The grapes range in colour from white to near black and have an intense sweet floral aroma. The number of varieties of Muscat grown around the world suggest that it is one of the oldest domesticated grape varieties. There are many offshoots of the Muscat family of grapes but Muscat Blanc Petit Grains is considered to be the best.
The grape is famous for its use in the production of Italy’s off-dry sparkling wine: Asti. Here in Nova Scotia, we grow the New York Muscat which is a Muscat-hybrid created in Ontario. With very similar characteristics to the original Vitis Vinifera Muscat , this hardy hybrid produces some exceptional aromatic white wines in cooler regions.