Muscat Bailey is a dark-skinned grape from Japan, that today is much more spread outside its native country.
Characteristics
As many other hybrid varieties, Muscat Bailey is disease resistant, and is also tough when it comes to resist in cold weather conditions.
Wines
Muscat Bailey wines are red, light wines with a grape-juice character. Low in tannins and made for early consumption.
Food pairing
A Muscat Bailey wine is said to pair well with Yakitori (skewered chicken) and Yakiniku (a Japanese version of Korean BBQ). You can also enjoy it with a Tuna sushi. The wine is best served at 12-14°C/54-57°F.
Where is it grown?
Muscat Bailey might have been created in Japan, but it is in neighbouring South Korea it has found its new heartland.
There it is the second most planted grape with an acreage of 1.300 ha/3,212 ac. With a PTPA of 24% it also seems to be an important variety for the wine industry in the country.
In its country of origin, Japan, the planted area was 103 ha/254 ac in 2010, making it the tenth most planted grape in the country. From Brazil, there is a report of planted area of 19 ha/48 ac.
History
Muscat Bailey was developed in Japan in 1927 from three different Vitis species in an attempt to arrive with a grape that would fit the Japanese growth conditions with cold Winters and warm Summers. The Vitis Vinifera parent is Muscat of Hamburg.