WineGuessrPlay →

White grape variety

Muscat

Also called Moscato, Moscatel, Muskateller, Moschato, Zibibbo, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat of Alexandria

Muscat is a family of more than 200 grape varieties known for an unmistakable grapey, floral aroma. Its wines range from light, fizzy Moscato d'Asti to fortified vins doux naturels and Rutherglen Muscat. Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat of Alexandria are the most important members.

ColorWhite (green-skinned)
OriginMediterranean basin; Muscat of Alexandria is a cross of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Axina de Tres Bias
BodyLight to full
AcidityLow to medium
Typical aromasfresh grapes, orange blossom, rose, peach, apricot, orange peel, raisin (fortified)
Key regionsPiedmont (Italy), Rhône Valley (France), Alsace (France), Languedoc-Roussillon (France), Sicily (Italy), Andalusia (Spain), Península de Setúbal (Portugal), Victoria (Australia)

Origin and history

Muscat is not one grape but a family of more than 200 Vitis vinifera varieties used for wine, raisins and table grapes. Its origins are thought to be very old and Mediterranean, but the first clear written mention is in the work of the 13th-century scholar Bartholomeus Anglicus. The four main commercial members are Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat of Alexandria, the dark-skinned Muscat of Hamburg and Muscat Ottonel. DNA analysis showed that Muscat of Alexandria is a cross of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and a Greek variety, Axina de Tres Bias. Local names include Moscato in Italy, Moscatel in Spain and Portugal, Muskateller in Germany and Zibibbo in Sicily.

Where it grows

Muscat is grown almost everywhere wine is made. In Piedmont it makes the gently sparkling Moscato d'Asti. The southern Rhône produces the fortified Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, and Alsace makes dry Muscat, including in grand crus such as Goldert. On the island of Pantelleria, Zibibbo becomes Passito di Pantelleria. Other classics are Moscatel de Setúbal in Portugal, Málaga in Spain, Samos in Greece, Vin de Constance in South Africa and the fortified Muscats of Rutherglen in Australia.

Taste, wine styles and food

Muscat is one of the few grapes whose wine actually smells of fresh grapes. The aroma comes from more than 40 monoterpenes, including linalool, geraniol, nerol and citronellol, which add orange blossom, rose and musky notes. Styles vary widely: dry and aromatic in Alsace, low-alcohol and lightly sparkling in Asti, fortified sweet wine in the vins doux naturels of southern France, raisin-sweet after drying the grapes in Pantelleria, and dark, long-aged fortified wine in Rutherglen. Dry Muscat works with asparagus and aperitifs; Moscato d'Asti with fruit desserts; fortified Muscats with chocolate, nuts and blue cheese.

Test yourself: the Muscat quiz

Wines made with Muscat (65)

WineGuessr lists 65 wines made with Muscat, from 11 countries. Most come from France (52).

Know where these wines come from? Play WineGuessr →

Muscat: questions and answers

Is Moscato the same as Muscat?

Yes. Moscato is the Italian name for Muscat grapes, most often Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains in Moscato d'Asti.

Why does Muscat wine taste like grapes?

Muscat grapes contain more than 40 aromatic monoterpenes such as linalool and geraniol, which survive into the wine and give it a fresh grape and floral smell.

Is Muscat wine always sweet?

No. Alsace and some other regions make dry Muscat, but many famous Muscats, such as Moscato d'Asti and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, are sweet.

What grape is Zibibbo?

Zibibbo is the Sicilian name for Muscat of Alexandria, used for Passito di Pantelleria.

Other white grapes

All grape varieties →

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Last reviewed October 2026.