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.
Quady is a California winery that specializes in lesser know Muscat grapes. It produces luscious dessert wines primarily from Orange Muscat (Essensia)and Black Hamburg (Elysium). Other well-known California Muscat wines are Muscat de Beaulieu, a fortified wine from the Napa Valley, (Beaulieu Vineyard is a vineyard near Rutherford, California that was established in 1900), Vin de Glaciere (icewine from the Bonny Doon vineyard) and Conundrum (a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignan Blanc and Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains).
California: Region Napa Valley
Beaulieu Vineyard
Muscat de Beaulieu
Fortified dessert wine
Muscat Canelli grape
Full of ripe apricot, honey, and citrus flavors; delicate finish.
(2020 information from the winery)
California: Region: Napa Valley/Carneros/Calistoga AVA
Beaulieu Vineyard
2016 BV Maestro Collection Muscat de Beaulieu
Muscat Canelli grape
Slightly sweet wine
Cold pressed. Delicate floral and fruit characteristics. (2020 information from the winery)
California
Beringer Main and Vine
Moscato
Semi sweet wine
Peach-scented, honeysuckle aromas. Fresh, sweet flavors of juicy stone fuit, honeydew melon, Fuji apple and ripe pear. (2020 information from the winery)
California
Beringer Main and Vine
Pink Moscato
Sweet wine
A smooth and refreshing finish. The attractive floral and tropical fruit aromas of Moscato with a hint of ripe red berry on the palate. (2020 information from the winery)
California: Lake Country Appellation
Bonterra Organic Vineyard (2016 American Winery of the Year)
2017 Dry Muscat
Muscat Canelli grape
Aromas of orange blossom, tangerine, honeysuckle and apricot.
On the palate grapefruit, preserved lemon, nectarine, warm spice
(2019 information)
California: Mendocino County Appellation
Bonterra Organic Vineyard (2016 American Winery of the Year)
2018 Dry Muscat
Muscat Canelli grape
Notes of juicy mango, stone fruit and fragrant lychee. A subtle thread of honeysuckle blossom segues to a crisp, dry finish. (2020 information from the website).
California: Paso Robles appellation
Castoro Cellars
2016 Late Harvest Reserve Muscat Canelli
Aromatic wine with dried apricot, peach, crystallized ginger, raw honey, and orange blossom in perfect balance
SIP certified
California: Region Lake County
Chacewater Winery
Muscat Canelli 2015
Late harvest Muscat Canelli grape
Dessert and fortified wine
Expressive aromas of orange blossom, jasmine and honey. Palate: flavors of lemon meringue, lime zest, apricots, tangerine and vanilla spice with balanced, crisp acidity and sweet honey finish (2019 information)
Awards
98 Points, Double-Gold Medal, 2016 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition
California: Russian River
Ferrari-Carano Winery
Eldorado Noir 2016
Black muscat grape
Dessert wine. “This velvety wine has a beautiful dark, purple color with lush aromas of rose petals, dried fig, fresh raspberries and warm spice leading to a wine that bursts with luscious black cherry compote and caramelized blueberry pie on the palate.” (2019 winery quote)
California: Napa Valley Mendocino appellation
The Hess Collection
Mendocino Orange Muscat 2017
Off-dry dessert wine
Aromatic with orange blossoms and ripe apricot with hints of tangerine, kaffir lime and delicate spices.
(2020 information from the winery)
California: Napa Valley Mendocino appellation
The Hess Collection
Mendocino Orange Muscat 2018
Off-dry dessert wine
Aromas of honeysuckle, white blossom and hints of jasmine. Palate: orange mandarin, ginger, grapefruit and lime zest. Bright acidity. Long clean finish. (2020 information from the winery)
California Ventura County
Herzog Wine Cellars
Jeunesse Black Muscat 2016, 2017, 2018
Black Hamburg grape
Deep red color. Aromatic notes of pineapple and apple. Rich, fruity flavors and smooth texture. Semi-sweet finish. (2020 information)
California: Ventura County
Herzog Wine Cellars
Jeunesse Pink Moscato
Young semi-sweet wine
Notes of white peach and butterscotch with a hint of strawberry. A light and crisp finish. (2020 information from the winery)
California: Ventura County
Herzog Wine Cellars
Herzog Late Harvest Orange Muscat 2016
Orange Muscat grape
Bold and aromatic Orange Muscat, offering a rich essence of grape, apricot and orange peel. A smooth and full bodied texture. Notes of fresh pineapple and passion fruit, softly finished by hints of toast.
(2020 information from the winery)
California: Ventura County
Herzog Wine Cellars
Weinstock Moscato
Semi-sweet wine
Slightly effervescent, heavily perfumed nose with notes of white peach, apricot and lychee. Juicy flavor of melon, peach and honeysuckle, followed by a crisp, refreshing finish. (2020 information from the winery).
California: Central Valley River Junction appellation
Jeff Runquist Wines
2017 Muscat Canelli
California: Central Valley River Junction appellation
Jeff Runquist Wines
100% Muscat Canelli grape
Light straw color. Aromas are of ripe pears, peaches, apple and apricots. Spicy floral component to the aroma. Zesty acidity (2020 information from the winery)
Awards
Best of Class, Platinum Medal – Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition
Best of Class – Calaveras County Fair Wine Competition
Best of Class of Appellation – California State Fair Wine Competition
Gold medal San Francisco Chronicle
California: Napa Valley Calistoga
La Sirena Wines
Moscato Azul 2016
Dry muscat wine
Muscat Canelli grape
Brilliant pale straw color. Aromas of honeydew melon, tropical fruit, green
apple, and jasmine floral notes. Crisp and full across the palate with flavors of tangy green apple, pear, lychee fruit, and white peach. Lingering finish, great acidity, and a polished profile, quite seamless for a white wine. (2020 information from the winery)
California Napa Valley Calistoga
La Sirena Wines
Moscato Azul 2015
Dry muscat wine
Muscat Canelli grape
Light golden straw color. Aromas of tropical fruit, pineapple, lychee, ripe white peaches, and honeysuckle floral notes. Round yet crisp across the palate. Lingering finish.(2020 information from the winery)
California Napa Valley Calistoga
La Sirena Wines
Moscato Azul 2014
Light straw colored. Floral and tropical aromas of honeysuckle, peaches and lychee fruit. Reminiscent of dry Riesling with a bit of minerality and lime peel in the finish Crisp acidity. (2020 information from the website)
Californin Napa Valley Calistoga
La Sirena Wines
Moscato Azul 2013
Nice ripeness and round mouth feel across the palate, crisp acidity and nice lingering finish. The flavors complement the aromas in this wine with a polished profile, quite seamless for a white wine. (2020 information from the winery)
California Napa Valley Calistoga
La Sirena Wines
Moscato Azul 2012
Light straw in color with brilliant clarity. Tropical floral aroma of honeysuckle, jasmine, and delicate white peach. Very clean and silky in the mouth with bright fruit flavors and a lush creamy mouth feel. (2020 information from the winery)
California: Anderson Valley
Navarro Winery
Late Harvest Sweet Muscat Blanc, 2017
Peach, apricot, honeydew melon flavors, smooth texture tangy acidity.
(2019 information)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Muscat 2011
Lighter tasting Muscat with aromas of Meyer lemon and orange (2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Muscat 2012
Limited production wine. Notes of peaches and honey with a
delicious tangerine finish. (2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Renaissance
2013 Muscat
Aromas of peach and honeysuckle. On the palate:the taste of honey, orange blossoms, and Eureka lemons. (2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Muscat 2014
Limited production wine. Notes of peaches and honey with a delicious kumquat finish.
(2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Muscat 2015
Estate grown. Fragrant aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle and citrus. Displays lightly sweet flavors with notes of Granny Smith apple and lemon peel. (2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Muscat 2016
Aromas of fresh baked lemon meringue pie and honeysuckle. Notes of lychee, fresh melon and citrus. Crisp and refreshing refreshing with medium acidity. (2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Muscat 2017
Estate wine. Aromatics of an orange grove in full bloom at springtime, orange blossom honey and guavas. Slightly sweet with a delicate finish. (2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Muscat 2018 White Port
Late harvest limited production dessert wine
Aromatics of tagelos, fresh peaches and orange blossom honey. Delicate finish.
(2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Sweet Serenity
2013 Release (White Port)
2009 Muscat wine aged into an old-world style dessert wine with just the right touch of wood. Aromas of burnt caramel, dried apricots and candied ginger. (2020 information from the winery)
California Sierra Pelona Valley Appellation
Reyes Winery
Muscat 2018 White Port
Late harvest limited production dessert wine
Aromatics of tagelos, fresh peaches and orange blossom honey. Delicate finish. (2020 information from the winery)
California Amador County Appellation
Shenandoah Vineyards (Sobon Wine Company)
Black Muscat 2012
A delightfully exquisite dessert wine bursting with rich berry flavors.
Awards
GOLD & BEST OF CLASS – 2014 Amador County Wine Competition
SILVER – 2016 Orange County Wine Competition
GOLD – 2014 Calaveras County Wine Competition
SILVER – 2014 El Dorado County Wine Competition
SILVER – 2015 Orange County Wine Competition
(2020 information)
California Amador County Appellation
Shenandoah Vineyards (Sobon Wine Company)
2013 Black Muscat
Awards
BEST DESSERT & DOUBLE GOLD – 2016 Amador County Wine Competition
DOUBLE GOLD – 2015 Amador County Wine Competition
DOUBLE GOLD – 2017 El Dorado County Wine Competition
(2020 information)
California Amador County Appellation
Shenandoah Vineyards (Sobon Wine Company)
2012 Orange Muscat
SILVER – 2014 Amador County Wine Competition
SILVER – 2015 Calaveras County Wine Competition
(2020 information)
California Amador County Appellation
Shenandoah Vineyards (Sobon Wine Company)
2014 Orange Muscat
A delightful sweet wine with aromas reminiscent of pineapple and orange blossoms, with flavors to match. (2020 information from the winery)
California Amador County Appellation
Shenandoah Vineyards (Sobon Wine Company)
2018 Volo Dolce Moscato
Black Muscat and Orange Muscat grapes
Sustainably grown
Zesty summer peach and ripe pear flavors, luscious floral aromatics and crisp slightly sweet finish. (2020 information from the winery)
California
Sutter Home Family Vineyards
Bubbly Moscato
Sparkling wine
Muscat grape
Aromas of rose petals and lichee fruit. Flavors of creamy white peaches and ripe, juicy honeydew melons. Crisp, refreshing finish (2020 information)
California
Sutter Home Family Vineyards
Moscato
White wine
Beautiful aroma of rose and lychee as well as bright flavors of sweet, creamy peaches and honeydew melon.(2020 information)
California
Sutter Home Family Vineyards
Moscato Sangria
Juicy peach, nectarine, berry, citrus flavors, and a hint of spice (2020 information)
California
Sutter Home Family Vineyards
Pink Moscato
Muscat grape
Aromas of white peaches, honeysuckle and caramel. Passion fruit and honeydew melon flavors with hints of vanilla. Refreshing acidity.(2020 information)
California
Sutter Home Family Vineyards
Retro Muscat of Alexandria 2017
Dessert wine
Muscat of Alexandria grape
Aromas of ripe, juicy peaches and bright honeysuckle. On the palate delicately balanced flavors of melons and stone fruit. This Muscat of Alexandria can be enjoyed as dessert itself. (2020 information)
California Amador County
Montevina
Terra d’Oro
2016 Moscato. Artois Vineyard
Aromas of peach blossom and fresh honeysuckle. A sweet, creamy lemon cheesecake flavor. Apricot and white peach fruit on the palate. Crisp acidity. Notes of rose petal on the finish. (2020 information from the winery)
California Napa Valley
V. Sattui Winery
Moscato 2018
Muscat of Alexandria grape
Frizzante dessert wine
Aromas of orange blossom, just-enough-sweet softness from its tiny bubbles to give a wonderful textural sensation. (2020 information from the winery)
California Napa Valley
V. Sattui Winery
2016 Muscat
Dessert wine
Muscat of Alexandria grape
Aromas of orange blossom and lychee. Light and sweet with flavors of peaches and melon. (2020 information from the winery)
Awards: 91 Points & Gold – Monterey Wine Competition
Gold Medal SF Chronicle Wine Competition
California Napa Valley
V. Sattui Winery
2016 Dry Muscat
Muscat of Alexandria grape
Intense, floral aroma, and pale-clear color. Abundant flavors, rich with honeysuckle, green apple and ripe peach. (2020 information from the winery)
Award: 90 Points & Gold Sommelier Challenge