MUSCAT

Question 1

Alsace

Answer 1

Sight: deep straw to deep yellow.

Nose: can be similar to Alsace Gewurztraminer in style with an exotic floral (orange blossom and rose petal) and spicy nose and lychee, ripe stone fruits and earth-mineral. Wood rarely used.

Palate:
medium to full-bodied and dry to bone dry.
Once again, like Alsace Gewurztraminer but with relatively higher acidity;
often the perception of sweetness on the palate even when dry and still the hallmark bitterness
on the finish.

Structure: alcohol:
medium-plus to high; acidity:
medium to medium-plus.

ID Keys: very similar to Alsace Gewurztraminer but with a touch higher acidity

Question 2

Muscat de Beaumes de Venise—Vin Doux Naturel

Answer 2

Sight: medium to deep yellow.

Nose: spirity (from mutage/fortification), ripe white fruits, honey, floral, orange citrus and bitter citrus peel;
oak presence found in some wines.

Palate:
full-bodied
medium sweet.

Structure:
alcohol: high (15% or higher);
acidity: medium-plus.

ID Keys: all the fruity qualities of dry Muscat but with added spirits (and sometimes wood flavours)

Question 3

Moscato d’Asti

Answer 3

Sight: very pale straw with medium bubbles.

Nose: intensely grapey nose with peach, apricot, strawberry and other fresh fruits highlighted by bright sweet and tart citrus and touch of mineral.

Palate:
light-bodied,
slightly sparkling
off-dry to slightly sweet.
Fruit punch or fruit bowl in style.

Structure:
alcohol: very low (5.5%!);
acidity: medium to medium-plus.

ID Keys: light-bodied and low alcohol; delightfully fruity, off-dry and slightly sparkling. Spring in a glass.