| The Muscat d'Alsace | ||
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Its dry character differentiates it from the sweet Muscats of the Mediterranean. Extremely aromatic, it has a wonderful flavour of fresh Muscat grapes.
Two varieties of Muscat are grown in Alsace and generally it is a harmonious blend of both grapes that gives the wine its elegant and persistent aromatic character. Muscat is best grown on well exposed hillsides. It produces beautiful bunches of green or red grapes depending on which variety is planted. Its Muscat taste is very pronounced. It can be a difficult grape to grow because the Muscat Ottonel is very vulnerable to climatic problems (major risk of coulure at flowering time), which explains its rarity and uneven production. “Muscat à petits grains” or “Muscat d’Alsace” : in either green or red grape form it brings aromatic intensity and acidity. It first appeared in Alsace in XVIth century (mentioned by the famous Alsace poet Fischart) and is especially suited to limestone soils. “Muscat Ottonel” : this ripens early, has low acidity and very delicate aromas which enables dry or sweet aromatic wines to be produced. First planted in Alsace in the mid-XIXth century, it is well suited to clay-limestone soils, although it is prone to coulure. Gastronomy Thanks to its dry character, Muscat really sharpens the appetite. The finest restaurants of the region propose it as an aperitif. Muscat is equally appreciated with asparagus. |
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