Photo credit Entav

Muscat of Alexandria originates from the Mediterranean region, probably Egypt, as one would imagine from its name. It is truly an international grape variety. In France, it is used to make Vins Doux Naturels Muscat de Rivesaltes (fortified wine). It is still grown throughout the Mediterranean basin: Portugal, Spain (Moscatel), Italy, Greece, and Tunisia, as well as in South Africa, United States, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Australia. This grape variety is especially suited to dry soils and drought conditions. It needs a hot climate and is susceptible to insect damage, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and gray rot. It also adapts to different training and pruning methods: gobelet, short pruning on trellising, and long pruning on a pergola. Muscat of Alexandria is a multi-purpose variety: table grapes, raisins, wine, and grape juice, with very large bunches and grapes. In South America (Chile and Peru), it is distilled to make the famous Pisco. Muscat of Alexandria wines have a very high sugar potential and powerful floral aromas. Like the other Muscat varieties, it is also used to make dry white and sparkling wines.

Synonym : Moscatel de Alejandria