Moschato (Muscat) of Rio

Rio Muscat is one of the most important white wine varieties, produced in our country. It is considered to be similar to the French Muscat de Frontignan. Mainly grown on the island of Samos and in northwestern Peloponnese, it is also sporadically found in other islands of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

It is a productive variety of medium liveliness. Formed mainly in cup forms (at the islands) and Royat forms (at Achaia), and accepts short pruning. It produces an average of two grapes per fruit stem which are usually in the fourth and fifth node. It is sensitive and moderately susceptible to mildew. On Samos, cultivation extends to the altitude of 800 meters in slopes forming picturesque terraces, and planting density reaches 750 vines per 1000 square meters. The variety of the climate and soil of the island, have a direct impact on the character of muscat grapes and thus the quality of the wine.

The grapes are medium sized and with high density, and a shape nearly spherical. The skin is of greenish colour and moderately thick, while the flesh is soft, colourless and juicy, with a characteristic muscat aroma.