Muscardin: Grape Characteristics, 10 Best Bottles (2023)

Muscardin is a red wine grape exclusively grown in the Rhône region in France. 

This rare variety is predominantly grown in the southern part of the region and it’s also one of the 18 permitted grapes in the esteemed Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. 

In this article, we’ll look at some interesting facts about the Muscardin grape, including its wine styles, taste, best food pairings, and 10 best Muscardin bottles.

Quick Facts About The Elusive Muscardin Grape

The Muscardin vine (also known as Muscardin Noir) produces medium-size, black-colored berries. Historical records (dating back to the year 1895) mention Muscardin as one of the oldest southern Rhone grapes. 

It’s an early ripening grape that thrives in the stony soil and ideal growing conditions of the Southern Rhone region. However, growers should protect the crop from frost in order to retain its floral characteristics and high acidity.

Let’s take a look at some other interesting facts about this rare variety.

What’s the acreage of the Muscardin plantation in France?

Muscardin vines are planted in around 16 hectares (as per 2018 data) of land in France. Due to low acreage and limited annual production, it’s mostly used as a secondary grape in many Rhone blends.

What are the Muscardin wine styles?

Muscardin is rarely made as a varietal wine and is primarily blended with other varieties like Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache. It’s frequently used in making Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas wines.

What does Muscardin wine taste like?

Muscardin wine has fresh floral aromas and dominant fruit notes. It has vibrant acidity and low alcohol content.

What are some ideal food pairings for Muscardin wines?

Muscardin wines are prone to oxidation, so it's best to drink them young. To match their refreshing acidity, pair them with meaty dishes like grilled chicken, steak, and lamb stew or with a platter of aged cheeses. 

Time to sip an exceptional Muscardin wine!

10 Best Muscardin Blends To Buy in 2023

Here are our picks for the 10 best wines made from the Muscardin grape:

• 2019 Domaine de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape 'Saintes Pierres de Nalys' Rouge
• 2016 Domaine de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape 'Saintes Pierres de Nalys' Rouge
• 2013 Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf du Pape
• 2018 Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf du Pape
• 2016 Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf du Pape
• 2011 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme
• 2016 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme
• 2015 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve
• 2001 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve
• 2016 Xavier Vignon 'Arcane IX L'Ermite'

1. 2019 Domaine de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape 'Saintes Pierres de Nalys' Rouge ($82)

This elegant Châteauneuf du Pape wine is a blend of Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Muscardin, and Syrah. This refined blend has a beautiful dark red color and a ripe berry nose.

In her review, wine critic Jancis Robinson aptly notes the wine’s sumptuous flavors and heady aromas. 

2. 2016 Domaine de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape 'Saintes Pierres de Nalys' Rouge ($49)

This blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Muscardin grapes has delectable flavors of ripe red fruits. The palate has supple tannins and a fresh aftertaste.

3. 2013 Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf du Pape ($56)

This delicious wine from the Chateau Mont-Redon winery surprises with a gorgeous ruby red color and delicious flavors of cherry, red berry, and plum.

4. 2018 Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf du Pape ($47)

This Rhone red blend has a fragrant nose of red fruit and spices. The palate has notes of plum, black fruits, earth, and licorice.

5. 2016 Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($45)

This red wine has an aroma bouquet of red flowers, raspberry flavors, and a hint of minerality. The full-bodied palate has silky tannins and a grippy finish.

6. 2011 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Anonyme ($59)

Here we have a bold red wine with an aroma of ripe dark fruits and pepper. The palate has notes of cherry and plum and a long finish. 

7. 2016 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Anonyme ($41)

This stunning vintage has perfumes of flowers, berries, and mocha. The wine maintains freshness on the palate despite its high alcohol content.

8. 2015 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve ($80)

This southern Rhone is a blend of seven grapes, including Muscardin. The nose opens up with notes of flowers and red berries. The palate has dominant flavors of vanilla, and licorice.

9. 2001 Xavier Vignon Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve ($58)

This delicious red from the Xavier Vins winery has a nose of dark plum and red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with refreshing acidity.

10. 2016 Xavier Vignon 'Arcane IX L'Ermite' ($30)

This Gigondas wine has notes of black cherry, vanilla, and baking spices on the palate. The silky tannins and the spicy finish give it a remarkable elegance.

Time to Sip On A Fragrant Muscardin Wine!

Muscardin lends seductive floral and fruity aromas and an elegant depth to many Rhone wines. The wine’s refined character and elegance are also praised by many world-renowned wine critics.

If you’re looking for a deliciously aromatic Chateauneuf du Pape wine, you should definitely get your hands on a Muscardin bottle.

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