What is Moscato wine? It’s an ancient aromatic white available in many styles – dry, still, sparkling, and fortified.
Due to its sweet nature, Moscato is a hot topic in the world of wine. It can be a bit polarizing – it seems most people either reach for it as their wine of choice or keep their distance.
The truth? Moscato is much more versatile than you may realize!
For all our friends who prefer to sip sweet, we’re sharing 7 things you may not have known about Moscato. For everyone else, consider these reasons to give Moscato another chance!
1. Moscato is known for its sweet flavors.
Moscato wine is famous for its fruit-forward flavors of peaches and orange blossom. You may also find notes of lemon, mandarin, pear, and honeysuckle.
2. Moscato is one of the oldest wine grapes in the world.
You’re not getting punked. Muscat grapes are actually the oldest wine grapes in the world, which is why you’ll find them growing most everywhere. France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Israel, Australia – the world is full of Moscato-rich wine regions.
While it’s difficult to trace the exact origins, many believe Greece is the homeland of Muscat Blanc.
3. Moscato is the Italian name for Muscat Blanc
Moscato is made from the Muscat Blanc Grape. So, the grape is called Muscat Blanc, while the wine varietal is called Moscato (moe – ska -toe).
While Moscato is the Italian word for Muscat Blanc, each country kind of has its own version. You’ll see “Moscatel” in Spain and “Muskateller” in Germany. (Muscat and Muscadine are two entirely different species of grape, so don’t be fooled.)
Technically, if the bottle says “Moscato,” it should come from Italy, but that’s not always the case. For example, wine producers like California and Australia often use the name.
4. There are 5 different styles of Moscato
When it comes to this sweet nectar, there are 5 major styles – sparkling/semi-sparkling, still Moscato, pink moscato, red Moscato (aka Black Muscat), and dessert Moscato.
The most popular version is an Italian wine called Moscato d’Asti from Piedmont, Italy.
It’s a semi-sparkling, light-bodied sweet wine with tropical fruit flavors and a low ABV. If you’ve had Moscato in the past or are looking to try it in the future, this style is probably your best bet!
5. Moscato pairs best with Asian food
Because Moscato is low in alcohol with high sweetness, it pairs perfectly with spice. Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese cuisine such as curries, dim sum, and pho are best served with a chilled glass of Moscato. Think aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom.
6. Moscato is loved by artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, Soulja Boy, and L’il Kim.
Drake said it best when he rapped, “It’s a celebration — clap clap bravo. Lobster and shrimp and a glass of moscato.”
Since 2005, Moscato has been featured in verses by various hip hop artists. Part of Moscato’s popularity can be attributed to these pop culture cameos. We’ll raise a glass of the sweet stuff to that.
While Moscato may have a connection to hip hop, it’s important to acknowledge the frustrations expressed by black wine professionals. Some misperceive Moscato as a “starter” or “beginner” wine and, when tied to the black community, this can have severe limitations and implications for black professionals in the wine world. We’re of the mind that every individual palate is unique and should be treated as such!
7. Moscato has a surprisingly low alcohol content
While most wines range in ABV from 12-15% and can even get up to 20%, Moscato’s generally lands between 5-10%. This means you can sip freely and keep the wine flowing.
IN VINO FINITO
Now that you know a little more about Moscato, are you more likely to give it another shot? Are you a Moscato wine lover? Let us know in the comments!
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Comments
Does the higher sugar content make you more likely to get a hangover? I am more likely to try this wine after reading your article. Thanks for the information.