The term Muscat is used to describe a family of grapes and the oldest mention of Muscat is in the 2nd century AD. Although over 200 grape varieties have distinct Muscat-like flavors, there are only about 25 actual Muscat varieties including several that are now presumed to be extinct. Muscat Blanc, the most distinguished of the family, is a very old variety and consequently there are hundreds of synonyms for this grape. The most common one today is Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, named for the size of its berries, which are smaller than other Muscats; despite the French name, this variety's origin is probably Greece, where the most common synonym is Moschato Samou. Plantings have increased in recent years but most Muscat is blended to add complexity to a myriad of white wines rather than bottled as a Muscat Blanc wine. When we planted our first Gewürztraminer vineyards, we were advised to interplant it with Muscat to make the Gewürz more floral. While both of the wines are aromatic and flavorful, we find the aroma and flavor profile to be quite different so Navarro's Muscat is 100% Muscat and our Gewürztraminer is 100% Gewürz.
Alfredo moving a pump into the cellar with medium sized ovals—about 650 gallons—to rack the wine off its lees.
Harvesting Muscat Blanc 2020. Normally, in the morning after a night of harvesting, we always provided a sit-down, hot meal for the harvest crew, a tradition we had to forego in 2020.
This is our 26th vintage of Muscat grapes from our Hammer Olsen vineyard; they were night harvested at a modest level of ripeness so the wine would have a restrained level of alcohol. Boasting orange and guava flavors, the wine is fruity yet completely dry, the acidity is bright which keeps it refreshing and the low alcohol makes it perfect to sip by the hearth. Gold Medal winner. Best of Class.
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Alfredo moving a pump into the cellar with medium sized ovals—about 650 gallons—to rack the wine off its lees.
