Wines made from Muscat Ottonel grapes of Oregon
Discover the best wines made with Muscat Ottonel as a single variety or as a blend of Oregon.
Muscat Ottonel has the character of a grape variety with a distant lineage. It was first obtained in 1839 and continues to be planted in nearly 2,000 hectares of vineyards around the world. It shows good vigour and promises satisfactory production, of the order of 6 kilos per vine. The bunches, which are rather loose, are quite large, bearing berries with a strong character. A pleasantly musky flavour and a lot of juice characterize the pulp, protected by a medium skin. The bluish-black skin contributes to the exceptional beauty of the vineyards at harvest time. The size of the ellipsoidal berries is another argument in favor of Muscat Ottonel, which is also known as Muscat Ottone or Muscadet Ottonel. Resin, toast, honey and wild flowers are all present in the wines made from this variety. If the foliage, which turns yellow in autumn, is one of its charms, remember to protect the fruit from grey rot and coulure.
Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is one of the youngest and most promising wine regions in the world. The state put itself on the international wine map in the late 1960s and has been building its position ever since. Production volumes have remained relatively quiet. The 2017 Oregon Vineyards and Wineries report recorded just under 34,000 acres (13,750 hectares) of planted vineyards.