WTF is Black Muscat?

Last summer, we had the chance to try this organic Greek rosé, Oreads, which is made from a grape varietal called Black Muscat. One of the grape’s nicknames is “Golden Hamburg,” which to us just sounds like lunch. 🍽

Black Muscat is a black grape and is more frequently eaten by hungry people like us than it is used to make wine. It’s kinda considered the low class version amongst the family of Muscat grapes and is usually used to produce cheaper table wines, however is also used to make some good dessert wines in California. All this said, you can always be surprised in wine. This particular rosé was such a fun and funky interpretation! Tasted like a combo of sour beer and Welch’s grape juice, mixed up with some apricots, white flowers and citrusy fruit. 🍊

The lowdown on Black Muscat

Where it’s originally from: England (here it was made by crossing Schiava Gross, aka Trollinger, and Muscat of Alexandria)

What it usually tastes like: Roses, grapes, violet, raspberries

What to pair it with: This rosé was better as an easy drinker on its own. If you’re having a more traditional red wine made from black muscat with a little bit of sweetness, consider some richer cheeses or desserts.

Bonus fact: “oreads” are mountain nymphs in Greek mythology. They helped travelers cross through dangerous terrain (that’s kind of a fun tie to the bridge after all, right? Right?). The winemaker used this name because the wine hails from the slopes of the mythical mount Olympus. 🏔