Muscadine wine is made from the muscadine grape, which is native to the southeastern United States. It should be chilled before drinking, generally speaking. Muscadine wines can be white, red or blush. The main thing to consider when serving and drinking wine is your own personal palate and preferences, but as a light wine, muscadine is generally served chilled.
Chilling
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If you have a wine cooler, simply set it to the appropriate temperature and store your wine inside. To chill your wine in a regular refrigerator, put it in about two hours before you plan to serve it. Another way to chill wine is to place it in an ice bucket with half ice and half water, which chills the wine in about 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid rushing things by putting wine in the freezer; the bottle may explode if you leave it in too long.
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Temperatures
Like most white wines, sweet white muscadine wine should be served at about 45 degrees F, while full-bodied whites and light reds should be served at about 50 degrees. Wines that are served too cold lose some of their flavor and aroma characteristics, and warmer temperatures produce a bite or sharpness.
Serving
Serve your chilled muscadine wine in the right type of glass to make the most of its distinctive characteristics. For sweeter muscadines, use a tulip-shaped white wine glass. The small bowl and narrow opening prevent the wine from being exposed to too much oxygen and keep the wine cool longer. A fuller-bodied red muscadine can be served in a glass with a larger bowl and opening, but a wide red wine goblet will cause light muscadines to open up too much.
Food Pairing
Sweet white muscadine wine pairs well with fruit and desserts like cheesecake or chocolate as a dessert wine. Sweet muscadines can also be served with pork, especially North Carolina-style barbecue. Many of the drier muscadine wines are well-suited to seafood and pasta dishes. A dry red muscadine wine complements beef. For a blush muscadine, try pairing with poultry. Ask for recommendations for specific wines from the wine producer or your local wine shop.