Muscat Wines of the United States
The United States is the fourth largest wine producing country in the world. In 2018 there were 9,654 wineries in the United States producing 800 million gallons of wine. Five states are responsible for most of the wine production: California (84%), Washington, New York, Pennsylvania and Oregon. Muscat is not mentioned in the list of America’s most popular grapes. Regardless of this, Muscat, represented by a number of different varieties, is grown in many American states.
California
Muscat was introduced to California in the 1850s as a table grape and a few wineries made dessert wines in small batches. Following the repeal of Prohibition, Napa’s Beaulieu Vineyards, among others, popularized a dessert wine they called Muscat de Frontignan. Muscat in some form or another has been grown in California for a long time. Some cheaper Muscat wines were labeled as “Muscatel” while the finer wines were called “Muscat”, “Moscato” or another appropriate varietal name.
The 2007 USDA, NASS ACREAGE STANDING lists Muscat of Alexandria as the most planted Muscat grape in the state, followed by Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains (Muscat Canelli), Symphony (a cross between Grenache Gris and Muscat of Alexandria), Muscat Orange (there is no expert consensus on whether this is truly a member of the Muscat family), and Muscat Hamburg (Black Hamburg). The grapes are used to produce mostly sweet varietal wines and many different blends ranging from dryish to sweet.
In addition to these varieties, California grows small amounts of some lesser known Muscat varieties: Early Muscat (primarily a table grape, a cross between( Muscat Hamburg x Queen of the Vineyard), Golden Muscat ( a wine/table grape, a cross between (Muscat Hamburg x Diamond), and July Muscat (primarily a table grape, a cross between four varieties ( [Muscat of Alexandria x Flame Tokay] X [Muscat Hamburg x Scolokertek]).
The 2018 USDA, NASS ACREAGE STANDING shows that in the period between 2010 and 2018 California wineries reported the following Muscat grape acreages:
Muscat of Alexandria: 4446 acres
Muscat Blanc: 2989 acres
Muscat Orange: 345 acres
Muscat Hamburg: 311 acres
Muscat Giallo: 151 acres
Forbes June 2018 reported that Muscat of Alexandria was #6 in the top Ten White Wine Grapes in California and Muscat Blanc was #8.
CLICK HERE To See A List Of California Muscat Wines
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Neither Oregon nor Washington show any variety of Muscat in their lists of major grapes grown by the state but some Muscat is grown in the region.
Oregon
Muscat Ottonel is found in the Columbia Valley and the Williamette Valley. Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Early Muscat and Black Hamburg are also grown.
Washington is very similar to Oregon. Some Muscat is grown including Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains, Orange Muscat, and Black Hamburg.
THE EAST COAST
New York state grows a hybrid Muscat grape called New York Muscat (a cross between Muscat Hamburg x Ontario). The grape was developed for colder climates and has an intense and sweetly-perfumed Muscat taste. It is primarily used for sweet dessert wines. Some ice wine is made from New York Muscat. There has been limited production of dry wines from this grape, similar to the dry Alsatian Muscats.
Producers on the East Coast also grow a newly developed hybrid (2006) called Valvin Muscat (a cross between Muscat du Moulin x Muscat Ottonel). The grape is highly flavored and ripens mid-season.
THE MIDWEST
Muscat varieties have caught the attention of wine growers in the American Midwest where they are producing a variety of muscat wines.
Michigan
“As of 2018, there were 3,050 acres (1,230 ha) under wine-grape cultivation and 148 commercial wineries in Michigan, producing 3 million US gallons (11,000,000 L) of wine.” Wikipedia
There are five American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Michigan: Fennville, Lake Michigan Shore, Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula, and Tip of the Mitt.
Michigan State University conducted wine grape variety trials with the following muscat grapes: Orange Muscat, Muscat Ottonel, Moscato Giallo, Moscato Canelli and Valvin Muscat.
Michigan Leelanau Peninsula
Amoritas Vineyards
Fascinator 2018
“We finally had the growing season that we needed to produce our Dry Muscat. The aromatics bouquet in this wine is almost overpowering and yet the fruit is so soft delicious.” (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan Leelanau Peninsula
Amoritas Vineyards
2018 Mary’s Folly White Wine Field Blend
(Carbonated)
Auxerrois, Muscat Ottonel, Reisling grapes
Michigan Leelanau Peninsula
Amoritas Vineyards
2017 Mary’s Folly White Wine Field Blend
Auxerrois, Muscat Ottonel and Pinot Blanc grapes (This is the usual blend for Mary’s Folly)
Vinified together these grapes express the best of the 2017 season. A dry blend full of peach and melon with a soft edge of floral notes remains intense and full-bodied. (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan. Leelanau Peninsula
Amoritas Vineyards
2016 Mary’s Folly White Wine Field Blend
Auxerrois, Muscat Ottonel & Pinot Blanc grapes
A fun floral wine with just enough sweetness to complement its acidity. (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan
Fenn Valley Vineyards
Moscato
Lightly sweet white wine with floral aroma and citrus and pitted fruit qualities. (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan. Leelanau Peninsula
Shady Lane Cellars
Muscat 2016
Muscat grapes
Hand-harvested. Aromas and flavors of orange and apple blossoms, tangerine and guava with a crisp, refreshing finish. (2020 information from the winery)
87 pts Wine Enthusiast
Michigan Lake Michigan Shore appellation
St. Julian Winery
Michcato
Sweet wine
Valvin Muscat, Traminette grapes
Flavors of mango, pineapple, and lemon zest. Satisfying finish. (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan Lake Michigan Shore appellation
St. Julian Winery
Michcato White Can (wine is sold in a can)
Sweet wine
Valvin Muscat, Traminette grapes
Exotic fruit aromas and crisp acidity. Hint of sweetness. Flavors of mango, pineapple, and lemon zest. Satisfying finish. (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan Lake Michigan Shore appellation
St. Julian Winery
Sparkling Michcato
Sweet wine
Vidal Blanc, Muscat, Riesling, Traminette grapes
Made from locally grown grapes. Rich layers of melon and tropical fruits. (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan Lake Michigan Shore appellation
Tabor Hill
Cherryscato
90% Moscato American, 10% Cherry Wine
Moscato’s sweetness is balanced by the bright, fresh flavor of Balaton cherries. (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan Lake Michigan Shore appellation
Tabor Hill
Moscato
100% Moscato American
Beautiful aromas of white peaches and rose, this wine is well-balanced and finishes with notes of honeydew melon. (2020 information from the winery)
Michigan Lake Michigan Shore appellation
Tabor Hill
Sparkling Cherry Moscato
90% Moscato American, 10% Cherry Wine
Bright, fresh flavor of Balaton cherries in this refreshing wine. (2020 information from the winery)
OTHER MUSCAT GROWING AREAS
There is a sprinkling of the lesser known Muscats grown in other American states.
Black Hamburg: Colorado, Texas
Early Muscat: Oklahoma
Golden Muscat: Illinosis, New Mexico, Wisconsin
Muscat Blanc A Petit Grains: North Carolina, Missouri, Texas
Muscat of Alexandria: Missouri, New Mexico
Muscat Ottonel: New York, Virginia
New York Muscat: Missouri
Orange Muscat: Colorado, Texas,
Valvin Muscat: Colorado, Michigan