The grape harvest, referred to in French as “La Vendange,” typically takes place between late August and early October, depending on the region and the grape variety.
Today, we're getting into two of our favorite table grape varieties that would make a delicious addition to your cheese boards this season!
While wine making has been around since ancient times, it wasn’t until the reign of François I (1494-1547) that grapes began to be consumed with meals. Despite this, raisin du table (table grapes) did not grow in popularity until after the Great French Wine Blight, when an aphid snuck across the Atlantic in the late 1850’s and preyed on French vines. This prompted farmers to look into more table grape varieties, which resulted in table grape consumption developing strongly into the 20th century.
Today, table grape varieties are greatly consumed in France whereby on average 4 kg of grapes are consumed per person, per year!
Muscat de Hambourg is old variety widely appreciated for its sweet, aromatic and slightly musky taste. It is harvested from early August to mid-October, and you’ll notice it right away with its bluish-black color and thin film covering each berry, which gives it a matte-like appearance. This film is a natural protection produced by the fruit to shield it from the strong sun. The Muscat de Hambourg pairs well with brie and goats cheese.
The juicy, gold colored Chasselas de Moissac, became the first fresh fruit to be awarded an AOC label in 1971! This grape is known for its floral and fruity flavors. Under its fine skin lie aromas of cherry and hazelnut, and it pairs perfectly with harder cheeses and charcuterie.
