Division Organoleptic characteristics

The raisins retain the characteristic muscat flavour of the grapes from which they are produced: In the OIV Descriptor List the characteristic ‘particular flavour’ is graded as follows: 1 = none, 2 = muscat, 3 = foxy, 4 = herbaceous, 5 = other flavour; Muscat of Alexandria is classed as 2 and it is this variety of Muscat that is the OIV reference for this grade.

The muscat flavour is enhanced by an intense retronasal aroma dominated by the following terpenols: a-terpineol (aromatic herbs), linalol (rose), geraniol (geranium) and b-citronelol (citrus).

The degree of acidity, as indicated above, helps to create a specific sweet-sour balance.

The medium size, degree of moisture and Brix value give the raisins an elastic, flexible quality; the pulp feels fleshy and juicy in the mouth, tactile sensations which are not at all like the dry, inelastic feel dried fruit often has.