This simply delicious wine is made from Early Muscat, which was bred in 1943 and introduced in 1958. It was created as a table variety for California. In Oregon, however, it produces a delicious aromatic wine. Its parents are two table varieties: one black, Muscat Hamburg, and a white Hungarian variety, Muscat Queen of the Vineyard.
H.P.O. stands for the late Harold Paul Olmo, professor of viticulture at the University of California, Davis, who is the variety’s creator. Professor Olmo was one of the world’s greatest grape breeders, and this is Darrell Corti’s tribute to him. It is produced for Corti Brothers by Sylvan Ridge, also known as Hinman Vineyards, from Early Muscat planted in the Willamette and contiguous valleys in Oregon.
Low in alcohol (six percent) and scented with the musky perfume of nutmeg, pear and white peaches, it has lively acidity and a slight sparkle that provides both palate refreshment and piquancy. It is wonderful to serve with dessert, especially cake, and is perfect for a weekend brunch or great for just sipping. This wine is a fitting honor to the creator who crossed it, the winery that made it, and those of us who get to drink it. It is the perfect springtime, summertime, and probably the perfect anytime wine.
