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by Fred McMillin
for May 8, 2000
Nothing Ordinary
The Winemaker Isn't Ordinary
His first degree was not in winemaking, but in
Cultural Anthropology! His Masters Degree (with
honors) was in Agricultural Chemistry. His name is
Etienne Cowper, (pictured).
The Grape Isn't Ordinary
It's one of the rarest variations of man's
ancient winemaking grape, the Muscat; in Italian,
the name is Moscato Fior d'Arancio, or "orange
blossom muscat."
The Rest of the Story
A few years ago I received a note from Etienne.
"We have planted 25 acres of unusual varietals,
including Moscato Fior d'Arancio. It is destined
to become a truly luscious dessert wine."
The prediction is looking good. At a recent
Culinary Institute of America (Napa Valley)
Tuscan feast featuring Italian varietal wines
grown in California, what was poured at the end
of the meal? Etienne's Moscato. I see it also
has started winning medals...including an award
from the large New World International Tasting.
Let's get it on...
The Wine of the Day
'97 Moscato Fior d'Arancio (mos-cah-toe feeor
dar ahn-cheeo)...just ask for "Orange Muscat."
Brand name—Castelletto, a label of the
Mt. Palomar Winery
Location—Temecula (the coolest, highest
winegrowning district between San Diego and Los
Angeles)
Meal Planning—Serve with a citrus-flavored
dessert, that's not too intense or too sweet
to upstage the wine...lemon tart...or, my wife
makes a delicious grapefruit sorbet that, with
crisp cookies, paired beautifully.
Ordering—Call (800) 854-5177, FX (909) 694-5688
Cost—$16 for 375 ml.
Postscript—It's Scarce
There are over 4,000 acres of other wine vines
in California for every acre of Orange Muscat.
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About the
Writer
Fred McMillin, a veteran wine writer, has taught wine history
for 30 years on three continents. He currently teaches wine
courses at San Francisco State and San Francisco City College.
In 1995, the Academy of Wine Communications honored Fred
with one of only 22 Certificates of Commendation awarded
to American wine writers.
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This page created May 2000
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