Muscat of Hamburg is a red grape variety known for its aromatic and juicy characteristics. It is a highly versatile variety, capable of producing wines of varying sweetness and quality.
Muscat of Hamburg has medium-sized berries with a prurple and shiny colour. Its aroma is powerful, with floral and citrus notes, along with a hint of musk. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and dry, with a slightly bitter finish.
Muscat of Hamburg is mainly grown in France, Eastern Europe, Greece and Australia. It is also grown in a few regions of the United States. Muscat of Hamburg is a vigorous variety and needs to be pruned heavily to prevent it from overproducing. It is usually planted in mediterranean climates, as it copes well with heat. The wine made from this variety is usually light-bodied and has a pleasant acidity. Overall, Muscat of Hamburg is used to make a variety of wines, from dry to sweet. The sweet wines are often made in the Auslese style, where the grapes are allowed to hang on the vine longer or sun-dried before being processed in the winery. In the United States, it is used to make a light-bodied and dry wine. Muscat of Hamburg pairs well with light dishes such as salads, fish and white meats. It also goes well with spicy foods and desserts.
The origin of Muscat of Hamburg is fairly unknown.