Moscato
Buy Moscato Sweet White Wine
Moscato wine is a light, sweet white wine that has become immensely popular with celebrities, wine enthusiasts, and casual drinkers alike. Moscato is derived from the Muscat grape family, most famously the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, which is among the most widely grown Muscat grapes in Italy and the U.S.
Moscato wine is known for its sweetness and vibrant fruit flavors. It typically showcases notes of ripe peaches, apricots, juicy oranges, and fragrant honeysuckle. The wine's sweetness is balanced by a refreshing acidity, which keeps it from becoming overly cloying.
Moscato is often slightly effervescent.
The major Moscato wines include Moscato d'Asti, a softly sparkling and aromatic wine from Italy's Piedmont region, and Asti Spumante, a more bubbly counterpart boasting a higher alcohol content.
Where is Moscato white wine produced?
The Moscato grape, which is often called Muscat outside of Italy, is one of the oldest and most widespread grape varieties in the world. Moscato wine is produced in various regions, with each one lending its unique characteristics to the final product. Some of the most famous Moscato-producing regions include:
Italy: Piedmont, Asti, and Lombardy are renowned for their Moscato d'Asti and Moscato di Canelli wines. These Italian Moscatos are often slightly sparkling and boast delicate floral and fruity notes.
Australia: Victoria in South East Australia is famous for its luscious Muscats, which feature intense flavors of dried fruits, toffee, and chocolate.
USA: California is a notable producer of Moscato wines, with vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Central Valley. American Moscatos, which include the popular Barefoot Moscato brand, often exhibit ripe fruit flavors with a balanced sweetness and refreshing acidity. The Pacific Northwest, particularly Oregon and Washington, also produces Moscato wines with crisp, fruity profiles and a hint of minerality.
How should Moscato wine be served?
Moscato wine is best enjoyed chilled at a temperature of around 45-50°F (7-10°C). Serving the wine too cold can mute its flavors while serving it too warm can make it taste overly sweet. Pour your Moscato into a white wine glass or even a Champagne flute to fully appreciate its delightful aromas.
How much alcohol is in Moscato wine?
Moscato wines are generally low in alcohol, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing beverage. The alcohol content of Moscato wines typically ranges from 5% to 12% ABV, depending on the style and region of production. Moscato d'Asti, for example, usually contains around 5-6% ABV, while still Moscatos can range from 7-12% ABV.
Moscato wine food pairings
Moscato's sweet and fruity flavors make it a versatile choice for food pairings. Some delightful combinations include:
Appetizers: Moscato pairs well with light starters like prosciutto-wrapped melon, mild cheeses, or a fresh fruit salad.
Spicy foods: The wine's sweetness can help balance the heat of spicy dishes like Thai curries or Szechuan chicken.
Desserts: Moscato is a natural match for desserts like fruit tarts, panna cotta, or lemon meringue pie. Its lower alcohol content also makes it suitable for enjoying with brunch dishes like Belgian waffles or French toast.
Alternatives to Moscato sweet white wine
If you love Moscato but are looking for something slightly different, consider trying one of these alternative sweet white wines:
Riesling: Ranging from off-dry to sweet, Rieslings often feature flavors of juicy peaches, apricots, and honey, with a zesty acidity that balances the wine's sweetness.
Gewürztraminer: This aromatic wine is known for its exotic flavors of lychee, rose petals, and baking spices. It can range from off-dry to sweet, making it a great alternative to Moscato.
Sauternes: Produced in the Bordeaux region of France, Sauternes is a lusciously sweet dessert wine with flavors of apricot, honey, and candied fruits.