Muscadelle

White

Muscadelle is a distinctive white grape variety from southwestern France that serves as the third component in Bordeaux's classic sweet wine blend alongside Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Despite its name suggesting a connection to Muscat varieties, it belongs to an entirely different grape family and contributes unique aromatic complexity to both sweet and dry white wines.

Key Characteristics

  • Aromatic intensity with floral notes
  • Late leafing, mid-season ripening
  • Highly susceptible to botrytis cinerea
  • Vigorous growth habit
  • Historically significant in Bordeaux blends

Typical Flavors

White flowersHoneyed sweetnessCitrus peelStone fruitsHerbal undertonesMineral finishSpiced complexity

Major Regions

Entre-Deux-Mers · Bordeaux · Monbazillac · Dordogne · Bergerac · Sauternes and Barsac · Cadillac and Loupiac · Ste-Croix-du-Mont · North-east Victoria · Australia

Also Known As

Bouillenc (Lot) · Guinlhan Musqué (Gers · Tarn) · Muscat Fou (Dordogne) · Sauvignon Vert

Overview