Foris Vineyards Muscat Frissante 2011 750ml

Winery: Foris Vineyards

Varietal: Muscat

As one of the oldest grape varietals in the world, the Muscat grape has a huge amount of variation in its character, flavors and even color As such, it is a wildly popular grape in several different countries, and its hardiness and reliability, coupled with its excellent characteristics makes it a highly popular grape varietal with wineries looking to produce fine and elegant wines with a wide appeal. One of the key attributes of Muscat varietal grapes is the fact that they have proven themselves to be highly versatile. Indeed, Muscat grapes are used for a vast range of different wines, from superbly aromatic sweet wines typical of eastern Europe, to refined and elegant sparkling wines, dry white wines, and even fortified examples. They are recognized by their bright and sharp fruity taste, and their characteristically floral aroma.

Region: Oregon

Whilst the Oregon wine industry didn't really take off until the 1960s, it actually has a wine-making history which stretches back to the pioneer days, with the first successful vineyards being cultivated back in the early 19th century. Today, Oregon is the United States' third biggest wine producing state, with over three hundred wineries operating there and making the most of the cooler climatic conditions which characterise much of the region, and have proved ideal for the growing of a range of fine grape varietals. The state is best known for their Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir wines, but also produces excellent Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling grapes. The valleys and mountainsides of Oregon are also excellent for producing Old World classic varietals alongside American hybrid grapes, and the state has become renowned as a trailblazer in the field of organic, vegan and biodynamic wines.

Country: United States

For three hundred years now, the United States has been leading the New World in wine production, both in regards to quantity and quality. Wine is actually produced in all fifty states across the country, with California leading the way by an enormous margin. Indeed, as much as eighty-nine percent of all wines to come out of the United States are produced in California, where the fertile soils and sloping mountain sides, coupled with the long, hot summers provide ideal conditions for producing high quality, European style red, white and rosé wines. With over a million acres of the country under vine, the United States sits comfortably as the fourth largest wine producer in the world, where imported grape varietals from all over the Old World are processed using a successful blend of traditional and contemporary techniques.