Muscat Blanc is a somewhat unusual grape variety because of the intensity of its aromas; when walking through our vineyard prior to harvest, the grapes are so aromatic that Muscat's floral scent literally fills the air. Pliny the Elder referred to Muscat as the “grape of the bees” because of their attraction to the grape's intense aromas. In California, Yellowjacket wasps, as well as bees and other insects, are attracted to Muscat; however, unlike most bees, wasps become unusually aggressive in autumn increasing the likelihood of being stung when harvesting Muscat fruit. Wasps aren't active at night so this is the one grape variety at Navarro that our crew almost insists on harvesting at night. French ampelographies have noted the grape's perfumed aromas and refer to it as musqué. (Musk is a class of aromatic compounds used as base notes in perfumery.)

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