MUSCAT: White muscat is the most widely used for this purpose and the most important in economic terms. Cultivated by the Romans (at least two or three centuries before Christ) Muscat is called "Apicius" or "Apicia" by Cato, and "Apianae" by Columella and Pliny, names that express the preference of bees for muscat grapes on account of their sweetness.

WHITE MUSCAT (MUSCADINE)
This forms part of a large family of vine varieties whose grapes have a characteristic musky flavour. They cultivated over a very wide area running from Europe to Western Asia.Many varities produce table grapes and not all are suitable for wine-making. White muscat is the most widely used for this purpose and the most important in economic terms. Cultivated by the Romans (at least two or three centuries before Christ) Muscat is called "Apicius" or "Apicia" by Cato, and "Apianae" by Columella and Pliny, names that express the preference of bees for muscat grapes on account of their sweetness. A vigorous variety, it is both rustic and productive. It ripens early and can be harvested around the middle of September. Now widely cultivated over a vast area embracing 52 municipalities in the provinces of Cuneo, Asti and Alessandria, it has always been a characteristic feature of a zone comprising Valle Belbo, Val Tinella and the Acqui district, with its main centres at Santo Stefano Belbo, Calosso Canelli and Strevi.

Last updated 30-Jun-97
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