Muscadelle

Pronunciation: Muhs-kuh-del

Muscadelle is an old variety from the Gironde and the Dordogne in south-western France, where it was first mentioned in 1736 in Bordeaux and in Cadillac (Rézeau 1997).

Vigorous, early to mid ripening. Susceptible to powdery mildew, wasps and grape moths and very susceptible to botrytis bunch rot, and therefore best planted on a well-exposed site.

Planted mainly in Bordeaux and Bergerac is south-west France, Dordogne, and further south and east in the Tarn. It plays a supporting role in many an appellation – Bordeaux, Bergerac, Sauternes, Entre-Deux-Mers, etc. for dry wines and Sauternes, Barsac, Cadillac, Loupiac, etc. for sweet ones – generally contributing scent and youthful fruitiness to blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Muscadelle is more highly regarded in Bergerac than in Bordeaux, especially in the sweet wines of Monbazillac.

Planted in: France, USA, Australia

Source: Wine Grapes 

A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavors

Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and Jose Vouillamouz

Published by the Penguin Group