This is the Central European equivalent of Muscatel, similar in taste and bouquet. Muskat Otonel was developed in Agers by the French ampelographer Moreau in 1952 - Otonel is not related to Rumeni Muskat. Particularly in warmer climates such as Slovenia's, Otonel must tends to be sweeter than the "old" Muscatel, but the acids are very slight and the bouquet always less intense. The wine is frequently blended with other acid-rich wines.
Muskat Otonel is much less popular in Slovenia than its "role-model" Rumeni Muskat - it is a variation suited to areas that would not support cultivation of the more aromatic and demanding Rumeni Muskat. Only in Haloze does the quality of Muskat Otonel approach that of Rumeni Muskat, although Ljutomer-Ormoz can also produce a good quality wine with proper care.
