In search of Muscadel
Sweet South African wines
Let's raise a glass, because it's time to celebrate. Every year on May 9th, we celebrate Moscatel Day.
Here are some key facts to help you see Muscadel wine with new eyes. Are you ready?
What does Muscat mean?
Sometimes the name is also attributed to the perfumed scent of the variety. The word comes from Persian ("muchk") and Latin ("muscus").
What is a Muscadel wine?
Muscadel wine or Moscato is a wine made from very ripe, sun-ripened Muscadel grapes. Muscatel is the collective term for Muscat varieties of grape and their variations, crosses or new breeds with Muscadel involvement, as well as unrelated grape varieties.
How many variants of Muscadel are there?
Yellow Muscadel, French muscat blanc à petits grains, Red Muscadel, Muscat de Hambourg, Muscat d’Alexandrie (Muscat of Alexandria)
Muscadel in South Africa
Yes, in the South African regions, Muscadel has a eventful history. From 1815 to 1821, Constantia, the first wine farm in the small region of the same name directly outside Cape Town, sent Napoleon Bonaparte 1,126 liters of their sweet dessert wine made from Yellow Muscadel, here called Hanepoot, every year.
According to legend, Napoleon even asked for a glass of Constantia wine on his deathbed.
And here are the wines you should try from Muscadel.
Buitenverwachting
Muscat 1769 – sweet wine – 2020
5 Stars by Platter’s
On the nose, some citrus blossom before orange, apricot, caramel and a hint of spice. On the palate, it has great depth of flavor, an oily texture and a soft but sufficient acidity.
BUITENVERWACHTING
Muscat 1769 – 50cl – 2020
CHF 24.00
Boschendal
Blanc de Noir Rosé – 2020
The nose has a complex note of red berry fruits. The wine is beautifully salmon-colored and its aroma is varied: red berry fruits and especially strawberries. It is fresh, crisp and balanced.
Promotion
BOSCHENDAL
Blanc de Noir Rosé – 2020
CHF 11.90 instead of 14.90
Thelema
Vin de Hel – Muscat Late Harvest – 2019
4 Stars by Platter’s
A golden dessert wine with very typical Muscat characters on the nose. The wine shows aromas of pineapple, citrus fruits, apricots, a hint of honey and subtle floral notes in the foreground. On the palate, it is opulent with a perfect balance between sweetness and fresh acidity.
Promotion
THELEMA
Vin de Hel – Muscat Late Harvest – 37.5cl – 2019
CHF 13.90 instead of 17.50
Stellenrust
Chenin D’Muscat Noble Late Harvest – 2018
94 Points by Tim Atkin
Intense apricot aromas on the nose and palate. Honeyed richness with ripe tropical aromas, pear drops and lingering Muscat spice on the palate.
STELLENRUST
Chenin D’Muscat Noble Late Harvest – 37.5cl – 2018
CHF 24.90
Have you tried any of these wines? If you want to recommend a specific product to us, don't hesitate to leave us a comment.
All prices in CHF including VAT. Daily price from 29.04.2022.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
