All About Wine Grape Chardonnay Musque

Chardonnay Musqué is a fascinating and aromatic mutation of the world-renowned Chardonnay grape, celebrated for its unique musky and perfumed character. While Chardonnay itself is the most widely planted white wine grape globally, Chardonnay Musqué stands apart due to its intense aromatic profile and distinctive flavour.

Origins of Chardonnay Musque

Chardonnay Musqué is a special mutation of the classic Chardonnay grape. Discovered in the late 20th century, this mutation showcases unique aromatic qualities. It originates from the Burgundy region of France, a place famous for cultivating Chardonnay grapes for centuries.

The term "musqué" translates from French as "musky" or "perfumed," highlighting the grape’s signature heady aroma reminiscent of Muscat varieties. This mutation is primarily found in vineyards of Canada’s Niagara Peninsula and New York’s Finger Lakes, regions known for cooler climates that help preserve the grape’s aromatic intensity.

Among the many clones of Chardonnay (over 40 are known), only two clones, Clone 77 and Clone 809, are classified as "Musqué" due to their pronounced aromatic qualities. These clones are prized for their ability to produce wines with a fresh, fragrant bouquet, often fermented and aged without oak, to maintain the purity of aroma.

Growing Conditions

To grow Chardonnay Musqué successfully, certain conditions are essential. This grape does best in well-drained soils, particularly ones rich in clay and limestone, similar to the characteristics of the Burgundy area. It thrives in coastal climates where cold ocean currents create a balanced temperature range.

A combination of warm days and cool nights is crucial. This helps the grape retain its natural acidity while developing its signature aromas. Additionally, canopy management ensuring each cluster gets enough sunlight and airflow is vital for optimal ripening.

Flavour Profile

Depending on the producer and terroir, the flavour profile of Chardonnay Musqué can vary widely but often includes notes of tropical fruit such as guava, papaya, and white peach, alongside citrus elements like grapefruit and lemon zest. Further, its crisp acidity also acts as a telling tale.

Additional nuances may include floral aromas reminiscent of honeysuckle, cherry blossoms, and orange blossoms, as well as subtle spice hints like cinnamon or vanilla. Some expressions even evoke a lemon sorbet character tinged with cinnamon, adding to the wine’s complexity.

Chardonnay Musqué wines are often unoaked or lightly oaked to preserve their delicate aromatics. This style contrasts with many traditional Chardonnay wines, which can be heavily oaked and buttery. The unoaked treatment allows the natural floral and fruity aromas to shine, making these wines especially appealing to those who prefer fresher, more aromatic whites.

You Should Give it a Try!

Chardonnay Musqué is a great alternative to the traditional Chardonnay styles if you are looking for natural acidity, ripe fruit on the palate, and if you love highly aromatic white wines - this is the one for you.

Though you'll often see Chardonnay Musqué used in a blend, you can find single varietal bottling and these are fun, as you truly get to see this grape perform, and dare I say, shine. In Ontario, you can find a wide spectrum of Chardonnay Musqué styles, from dry and crisp to rich, ripe, and sparkling. The variety of wine styles available makes it easy to find one to start your Chardonnay Musqué discovery!