Muscat Ottonel

Availability: Sep 24 - Sep 27

About Muscat Ottonel Grapes
Muscat Ottonel or Muskat-Ottonel is a white wine grape variety and a member of the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. The Muscat family of grapes includes over 200 varieties that have been used in wine production and as raisin and table grapes around the globe for many centuries.

In particular, Muscat Ottonel grapes were created in 1852 in France by a private breeder who crossed Chasselas and Muscat Ingram varieties. Muscat Ottonel is more resistant to cold than other varieties of Muscat and is grown primarily in Austria, Switzerland, Romania, and Canada while being most at home in France’s Alsace region. This is unusual, as other varieties of Muscat grapes tend to grow in more Mediterranean climates.

They are known for being the palest member of the Muscat family of grapes, both in terms of color and flavor intensity. Generally speaking, if they are left on the fine for too long, the fruits will make a flabby, unbalanced wine. It is often best to pick them while slightly underripe, sacrificing some aromatic complexity for a better balance of flavors.

Flavor
Muscat Ottonel can be aromatic, but can have low acidity. The German variety of the grape has a unique peach aroma with good acidity. Muscat Ottonel grapes are typically described as being slightly spicy and complex with an herbal finish. Wines made from Muscat Ottonel wines pair well with steamed scallops (if a dry wine), crêpes and caramel cream (if a sweet wine), and lemon and honey semolina cake (if a sweet wine).

Uses
Wines made from Muscat Ottonel span a range of wine styles, from light, dry table wines to richer, sweeter styles with more residual sugar. They are most notable for their use in dessert wines in Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Serbia as well as dry wines in Alsace and Hungary.

In addition to wines, they can be eaten fresh or dried to make raisins.