Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – “Dominated by Sémillon that's picked late, just before botrytis really takes off in the vineyards, Guffens's 2020 Le C du Sec du Château Closiot is very promising, exhibiting inviting aromas of stone fruit, orange oil, beeswax, ripe melon, vanilla pod and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with racy acids, chalky structuring extract and a long, penetrating finish, it's one of the most interesting dry wines being produced in Bordeaux today.” - William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Muscadelle is a white grape variety, often mistaken for its distant relative, Muscat. Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, Muscadelle has historically played a supporting role in some of the most esteemed white Bordeaux blends. It offers delicate floral notes, often reminiscent of grapefruit blossoms and honeysuckle, giving wines a fragrant bouquet. On the palate, wines made from Muscadelle can be fresh and fruity, often with hints of peach and apricot. The grape is also cultivated in regions of Australia, where it's used to produce both dry and sweet wines. Its thin skin and susceptibility to various vine diseases make it a challenging grape to cultivate, yet when handled with care, it produces wines of exceptional aroma and complexity. Its nuanced flavors and aromatics make it a favorite among wine enthusiasts looking for something a little different from the more mainstream white varieties.
Muscadelle wine is produced from the white grape variety known as Muscadelle. Not to be confused with Muscat, despite some similarities in their aromatic profiles, Muscadelle has its own unique characteristics. Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, it traditionally plays a part in the esteemed Bordeaux blends, complementing other major white varieties. Wines produced from this grape showcase delicate floral aromatics, often exuding hints of grapefruit blossoms, honeysuckle, and sometimes fresh herbs. On the palate, Muscadelle wines can offer fresh fruity flavors, such as peach and apricot, with a vibrant acidity that makes them refreshing and appealing.
The Bordeaux region of France is the birthplace of Muscadelle and remains its most acclaimed region of production. Here, Muscadelle often forms part of the classic Bordeaux white blends, harmoniously complementing grapes like Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. However, the grape has also found a home in Australia, particularly in regions like Rutherglen and Riverina, where it's used in crafting both dry and sweet wine styles. The terroirs of these regions offer the grape the right conditions to flourish, thereby producing wines with pronounced aromatic profiles and balanced flavors.
While Muscadelle often plays a role in blends, especially in Bordeaux, there are also varietal wines where it takes center stage. Some of the most sought-after Muscadelle wines come from esteemed Bordeaux producers who value the grape's aromatic contribution to their blends. In Australia, varietal expressions of Muscadelle, both in dry and dessert wine styles, have gained popularity due to their intense flavors and unique characteristics. As more wine enthusiasts discover this variety, its reputation continues to grow.
Identifying the best value in Muscadelle wines largely depends on the region and the wine's style. In Bordeaux, where Muscadelle is often blended, value can be found in wines from lesser-known appellations or from young vintages that showcase the grape's aromatic charm without the premium price tag. In Australia, several producers offer high-quality varietal Muscadelle wines that provide excellent value for their price, capturing the grape's essence in both dry and sweet expressions.
Muscadelle wines, with their fragrant bouquet and fruity palate, pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Their floral and fruit-forward notes make them perfect companions for light salads, especially those with citrus fruits. Seafood dishes, like grilled shrimp or seared scallops, complement the wine's crisp acidity. For Muscadelle wines with a sweeter profile, they can be paired with desserts like fruit tarts or lemon-based desserts. The wine's versatility also makes it suitable for spicy Asian cuisines, as the aromatic nature of the wine complements the flavors of dishes like Thai green curry or Vietnamese spring rolls.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.