If you're looking for a unique and flavorful grape variety to add to your next wine-making project, the Orange Muscat (Vitis vinifera) is worth considering. This white-orange vinefera type grape has a strong aroma of oranges, orange blossom and apricots that contribute to sweet or dry wines.
Originally from France, Italy, Australia, California and Oregon, Orange Muscat grapes are harvested at 24 brix and then crushed and chilled so that they can macerate before adding wine spirits to arrest the fermentation process. The wine is then aged for three months in well-aged 60 gallon French oak barrels.
Essensia is a full-bodied sweet wine made with Orange Muscat grapes. Its powerful aromatics include orange blossom, apricot, pear and spicy fruit. It also shares some characteristics typical of the Muscat family of grapes such as a relatively lush mouthfeel. It is strongly associated with sweet wines but there are versions that are dry as well. Its French name is Muscat Fleur d'Orange while it's known as Moscato Fior d'Arancio in the Veneto region of Italy.
If you're looking to create something unique with your next batch of homemade wine, consider usig Orange Muscat grapes to make an Essensia style of sweet or dry wine. The strong flavors will impress any guest lucky enough to sample the finished product!
The Sweetness of Orange Muscat Wine
Yes, Orange Muscat is a sweet wine. The grapes are harvested at 24 brix, which is on the sweeter side of the sugar scale. The wine is then made by adding wine spirits to arrest the brief fermentation and aging it in well-aged French oak barrels for about 3 months. This process creates a full-bodied sweet wine with an intense flavor and aroma profile.
Tasting Notes for Orange Muscat
Orange Muscat has a sweet, juicy flavor reminiscent of citrus fruits, such as oranges and tangerines. It also has hints of apricot and pear, with a light floral note. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and slightly viscous, with a zesty acidity that gives it a refreshing finish. Its overall flavor profile is quite complex, making it an interesting option for wine lovers who enjoy exploring different varieties.
Characteristics of Orange Muscat Wine
Orange Muscat is a sweet, aromatic white wine made from the Muscat Blanc grape variety. It is typically light in body and golden-yellow in colour, with a distinctive aroma of orange blossoms and honey. Its flavour is typically fresh and fruity, with notes of peach, apricot and citrus fruit. Orange Muscat is usually enjoyed as an aperitif or with light desserts. It can also be used to make sparkling wines and fortified wines such as Port and Marsala.
Is Muscat a Type of Dessert Wine?
Yes, Muscat is a dessert wine. It is a fortified wine made from Muscat Blanc grapes that are grown in Australia. The sweet, fragrant flavor of Muscat makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy sweet wines. The grapes are harvested late in the season and then fermented until the desired level of sweetness is reached. After fermentation has stopped, a spirit such as brandy or sherry is added to halt the fermentation process and preserve the natural sugars in the wine. This process creates a sweet and fragrant wine that can be enjoyed as an accompaniment to desserts or on its own as an after-dinner treat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Orange Muscat is a white-orange variety of Vitis vinifera grapes that is used to make sweet or dry wines with a strong aroma of oranges, orange blossom, apricots and pear. It is cultivated in France, Italy, Australia, California and Oregon and harvested at 24 brix. Orange Muscat's full-bodied sweet wine Essensia is also well known amog wine lovers. Despite its decreasing popularity in France, the grape remains popular in Italy's Veneto region where it is known as Moscato Fior d'Arancio. All in all, Orange Muscat offers an interesting flavor profile that can be enjoyed by both sweet and dry wine enthusiasts.
