Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Practice Exam

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is the name most closely associated with Loire wines. This white, aromatic Muscat variety—often called Muscat Petit Grains Blanc—has small berries and a pronounced floral, fruity character that defines many Loire Muscat wines, including the sweet styles from the region. The other Muscat sub-varieties are tied to different regions or styles: Muscat Ottonel is more common in other parts of Europe and can be used in Loire but isn’t the representative Muscat of the Loire; Muscat Hamburg is a distinct, less typical variety; and Muscat de Frontignan is a southern French tradition known for sweet, fortified-type wines.