Muscadelle Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Muscadelle is a delicately floral white grape of Bordeaux and Bergerac, used in small amounts to add perfume and charm to sweet and dry white blends. Despite its name, it is not a Muscat.
Learn more about Muscadelle
History & origins
Muscadelle is native to southwest France, and DNA analysis shows it is an offspring of Gouais Blanc, unrelated to the Muscat family despite its grapey aroma. Sensitive to rot and disease, it has always been a minor partner to Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. In Australia's Rutherglen, it makes rich fortified wines once called Tokay and now labeled Topaque.
French regions & appellations
Sauternes, Barsac, Loupiac, Cadillac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves and Bordeaux Blanc; Bergerac, Monbazillac, Montravel, Saussignac and Côtes de Duras.
Taste profile
Light to medium body with low acidity, showing honeysuckle, elderflower, ripe grape, pear, orange blossom and a soft, musky finish; sweet versions add honey and raisin.
Food pairing
Dry blends with seafood and white fish; sweet wines with foie gras, Roquefort, fruit tarts, almond cakes and spicy Asian dishes.
Where Muscadelle grows in France
Wine regions: Bordeaux, Sud-Ouest
Appellations: Bordeaux, Crémant de Bordeaux, Francs Côtes De Bordeaux, Gaillac, Graves, Monbazillac, Sauternes