Muscadine
[MUHS-kuh-dihn]
Found in the southeastern United States, the Muscadine grape family has at least eleven important varieties. The best-known species of this family is VITIS ROTUNDIFOLIA, a name attributed to the vines' round leaves. The thick-skinned Muscadine grapes have a strong, musky flavor and can range in color from bronze to deep purple. Even though these NATIVE AMERICAN GRAPES are primarily grown for table grapes, they're also used to make limited quantities of wine. In fact, some of the very first American wines were made from Muscadine grapes. One variety—the bronze-colored SCUP-PERNONG—is used to make sweet wines that are still popular in some parts of the South.
Related Links:
North Carolina,
Scuppernong,
Vitis rotundifolia
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc.
1995 based on THE WINE LOVER'S COMPANION,
by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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