Muscadelle B
Name of the variety in France
Muscadelle
Origin
This variety is probably originally from the south west of France. Muscadelle can be found at trace levels in the center of France (Cher). Based on published genetic analyses, it is seemingly a descendant of Gouais blanc.
Synonyms
There is no officially recognized synonym in France nor in the other countries of the European Union, for this variety.
Legal information
In France, Muscadelle is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties" on the A list and classified. This variety is also listed in the catalogue of Romania.
Use
Wine grape variety.
Evolution of cultivated areas in France
1958 1968 1979 1988 1998 2008 2018
ha 6257 5720 3710 2763 2151 1713 1434
Descriptive elements
The identification is based on:
- the tip of the young shoot with a high density of prostrate hairs,
- the green young leaves with bronze spots,
- the wedge-shaped adult leaves, entire or with three lobes, an open U-shaped petiole sinus, long teeth compared to their width at the base with straight sides, a low anthocyanin coloration of veins, an involute leaf blade, and on the lower side of the leaves, a medium density of erect hairs and a low density of prostrate hairs, 
- the round-shaped berries.
Genetic profile
Microsatellite VVS2 VVMD5 VVMD7 VVMD27 VRZAG62 VRZAG79 VVMD25 VVMD28 VVMD32
Allel 1 137 223 239 176 188 238 238 245 261
Allel 2 141 232 239 182 196 252 254 247 271
Phenology
Bud burst: 11 day after Chasselas.
Grape maturity: mid-season, 2 weeks and a half after Chasselas.
Suitability for cultivation and agronomic production
This vigorous variety must be carefully trained and planted on well exposed plots in order to limit the risks of brotrytis bunch rot.
Susceptibility to diseases and pests
Muscadelle is susceptible to powdery mildew, wasps, grape moths and very sensitive to grey rot.
Technological potentiality
The bunches and berries are medium in size. Once maturity has been reached, Muscadelle can produce moderately alcoholic, not very acidic and slightly aromatic wines. These wines can sometimes be sensitive to oxidation.
Clonal selection in France
The three certified Muscadelle clones carry the numbers 610, 1216 and 1217. A conservatory of almost 90 clones was planted in the Bergeracois region (French department of Dordogne) in 1996. An other conservatory of almost 50 clones was planted in the French department of Lot-et-Garonne in 2006.
Bibliographic references
- Catalogue des variétés et clones de vigne cultivés en France. Collectif, 2007, Ed. IFV, Le Grau-du-Roi, France.
- Documentary collections of the Centre de Ressources Biologiques de la Vigne de Vassal-Montpellier, INRAE - Institut Agro | Montpellier, Marseillan, France.
- Dictionnaire encyclopédique des cépages et de leurs synonymes. P. Galet, 2015, Ed. Libre&Solidaire, France.
- Traité général de viticulture, Ampélographie. P. Viala and V. Vermorel, 1901-1909, Ed. Masson, Paris, France.
Description of clones certified in France
Identity and availability Agronomic data Technological data Autres informations
Clone no. Marque Origin Selection Year of
certification
Agronomic
references
Surface area used
for propagation (year)
Fertility Production
level
Bunch
weight
Vigor Berry
size
Susceptibility
to grey rot
Sugar
level
Color
potential
Titrable
acidity
Tannic
structure
Aromatic
intensity
Oenological
suitability
New General
note
Agro-tecnic
note
Note
agronomique
Agronomic
note
Links
610 Gironde INRA 1979 Bordelais 3.09 ha medium to high high high medium medium medium representative wines of the variety
1216 Dordogne CA 24 - IFV 2014 Sud-Ouest low to medium low to medium medium medium high medium high well-balanced semi-sweet wines with a high aromatic intensity clone suitable for the production of sweet wines with superior noble rot intensity. Appreciated in tasting.
1217 Dordogne CA 24 - IFV 2014 Sud-Ouest medium medium medium to high medium medium to high medium medium to high semi-sweet wines with a high gustatory quality clone suitable for the production of sweet wines with medium to superior noble rot intensity. Appreciated in tasting.