Muscadelle
Of unknown origin, still internationally widespread
The origin of this white variety has not been definitively explained. It is certain that the Muscadelle does not belong to the family of Muscatel grapes, even though the name, and even the aroma of Muscadelle wines, suggests otherwise. Muscadelle comes partly from the old vine Gouais Blanc, but the other parent is unknown.
Eighty percent of all Muscadelle vines grow in France, are in the Entre-deux-Mers region, on around 1,600 hectares. But it is also found in Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, South Africa, California and Australia. Muscadelle vines were also found in Uruguay, though they were mistakenly marketed as Sémillon. Worldwide, the vines are believed to be planted on around 4,000 hectares.
