Muscat d'Alexandrie B
Name of the variety in France
Muscat d'Alexandrie
Origin
This variety is originally from the Mediterranean region. Based on published genetic analyses, Muscat d'Alexandrie would be the result of a crossbreeding between Muscat à petits grains blancs and Heptakilo.
Synonyms
In the European Union, Muscat d'Alexandrie is officially called by other names: Damaszener Muskat (Austria), Moscatel Graúdo (Portugal), and Zibibbo (Italy, Malta). These synonyms are officially recognized in France regarding plant propagation material.
Legal information
In France, Muscat d'Alexandrie is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties" on the A list. It is classified as a wine grape variety only in some French department (see the regulations in force). This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain.
Use
Wine and table grape variety.
Evolution of cultivated areas in France
1958 1968 1979 1988 1998 2008 2018
ha 2142 3170 3127 3162 2981 2923 2409
Descriptive elements
The identification is based on:
- the tip of the young shoot with a high density of prostrate hairs,
- the bronzed young leaves,
- the small, circular adult leaves, with five lobes, V-shaped lateral sinuses, a slightly open petiole sinus, small teeth with straight sides, long compared to their width at the base, an anthocyanin coloration limited to petiole sinus,
- the ellipsoid or obovoid berries with muscat flavor.
Genetic profile
Microsatellite VVS2 VVMD5 VVMD7 VVMD27 VRZAG62 VRZAG79 VVMD25 VVMD28 VVMD32
Allel 1 131 225 249 176 186 248 248 243 263
Allel 2 147 229 251 191 204 256 248 267 271
Phenology
Bud burst: 6 days after Chasselas.
Grape maturity: late-season, 4 weeks after Chasselas.
Suitability for cultivation and agronomic production
Muscat d’Alexandrie is slightly vigorous with a drooping bearing. It is generally managed with short pruning, in gobelet. This variety is well adapted to drought and to gravelly, acidic or decalcified terroirs. Muscat d’Alexandrie vines tend to age fairly quickly. Muscat d’Alexandrie requires hot temperatures so that the grapes ripen properly and for the lignification of the vine wood.
Susceptibility to diseases and pests
Muscat d’Alexandrie is sensitive to powdery mildew, grey rot and to insects.
Technological potentiality
The bunches are large and the berries very large. Muscat d’Alexandrie can produce sweet wines with powerful, elegant and floral aromas. The sugar potential of this variety can only be expressed in climatic situations adapted to its particular needs. Muscat d’Alexandrie can also produce dry wines, possibly sparkling or can be blended to provide aromatic input.
Clonal selection in France
The five certified Muscat d’Alexandrie clones carry the numbers 308, 635, 866, 979 and 1014. A conservatory of twenty or so clones was planted in the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales in 2013.
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
308 Hérault ENTAV 1973 Languedoc-Roussillon 3.87 ha medium medium medium medium to high high representative wines of the variety clone appreciated for its average production level and good aromatic intensity
635 Hérault ENTAV 1979 Languedoc-Roussillon 0.63 ha medium medium medium representative wines of the variety
866 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1986 Roussillon 0.44 ha medium medium medium medium to high representative wines of the variety
979 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1981 Roussillon medium to high medium medium to high medium medium representative wines of the variety
1014 Pyrénées-Orientales CA 66 - IFV 2008 Roussillon high high high medium to high heterogeneous medium medium high aromatic wines with notes of ripe fruits, honey, dried fruits and candied orange high vigor and drooping bearing Good viticultural behaviour. Clone brings a complementary aromatic range compared to the existing range. high production level and low susceptibility to coulure and millerandage