Moscatel

Also: Moscato · Muscat · Zibibbo · Moscatel de Alejandría

Moscatel is the name of a large family of grapes (Muscat à Petits Grains, Moscatel de Alejandría, Muscat Ottonel, and others) that share an unmistakable aromatic profile: a fresh grape aroma so pronounced it seems impossible it comes from a fermented wine. It is, along with Torrontés (its offspring), one of the few wines in the world where the aroma in the glass recalls the original fruit. Its versatility is enormous. In Pantelleria (Sicily) it's called Zibibbo and produces intense fortified sweet wines. In Málaga, oxidative dessert wines are made. In Languedoc, Moscatel Natural Sweet Wines (VDN) are classics. In Italy, Moscato d'Asti (sweet sparkling, low alcohol) is a global commercial success. In Argentina, Moscatel is used mainly for mistelas and fortified sweet wines, though there are some interesting dry varietals. Moscatel de Alejandría is also one of the genetic parents of Argentine Torrontés Riojano.