Morio Muscat
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| Morio Muscat | |
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| Morio Muscat in Rheingau, Germany | |
| Species: | Vitis vinifera |
| Also called: | Morio-Muskat |
| Origin: | Palatinate, Germany |
| Notable regions: | Germany |
Morio Muscat (also known as Morio-Muskat) is a white wine grape that was created by viticulturalist Peter Morio at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding in the Palatinate in 1928. He claimed to have crossed the varieties Silvaner and Pinot Blanc, but based on the variety's properties it has been speculated that he actually crossed Silvaner and Muscat.[1] But so far this speculation has yet to be conclusively proven. The grape is highly aromatic with a "grapey" characteristic reminiscent of Muscat grape varieties.[2] The grape is rarely used for varietal wines because it requires a high level of ripeness to avoid producing wine with a "mousey" flavor, a coarse texture and overabundance of acidity.[3]
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[edit] Origins
Viticulturalist Peter Morio created this grape variety from, what was reported as, Silvaner and Weissburgunder (Pinot blanc) as a potential blending partner for Müller-Thurgau and component in Liebfraumilch. Despite being the offspring of two grape varieties (Silvaner & Pinot blanc) that are not very aromatic, the Morio Muskat is a very aromatic grape variety with aromas more closely aligned with the Muscat family.[2]
[edit] Wine regions
Morio Muscat remains the most popular "muscat" in Germany, despite the possibility that the grape might not be a member of the Muscat family.[2] The grape was used extensively in Germany in the 1970's as a blending companion to Müller-Thurgau to enhance the aroma of the latter, but has been in steep decline in recent years. In 2006 it was cultivated on 541 hectares of vineyard in Germany,[4] down from 1,167 ha in 1999.[5]
At its peak popularity, the grape was widely planted in the German wine regions of Palatinate and Rheinhessen.[2] Outside of Germany, there are small plantings in South Africa and Canada.[6]
[edit] Viticulture
Morio Muscat has the potential to be a varietal wine but require ideal vineyard locations, similar to what would normally be planted with Silvaner, and has to be harvested at a point where its naturally low sugar levels and medium to high acidity are not out of balance. Common viticultural hazards include a sensitivity to rot with the grape often needing at least an extra week to ripen after Müller-Thurgau has been harvested.[2] It also has some sensitivity to downy mildew and oidium.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ Wein-Plus Glossar: Morio-Muskat, accessed on January 16, 2008
- ^ a b c d e J. Robinson (ed) "The Oxford Companion to Wine" Third Edition pg 453 Oxford University Press 2006 ISBN 0198609906
- ^ Jancis Robinson Vines, Grapes & Wine pg 250 Octopus Publishing 1986 ISBN 978-1-85732-999-5
- ^ German Wine Institute: German Wine Statistics 2007-2008
- ^ German Wine Institute: German Wine Statistics 2004-2005
- ^ a b Oz Clarke Encyclopedia of Grapes pg 139 Harcourt Books 2001 ISBN 0151007144
