Moscato (Muscat)

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Moscato wine, also known as Muscat wine, is a delightful indulgence for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their sip. This light-bodied white wine, often with a gentle effervescence, is one of the most approachable options on the market, making it a favourite for casual gatherings, celebrations, and even novice wine drinkers.

What is a Moscato wine?

Moscato wine is a delightful sweet white wine that originates from Italy. Made with Muscat grapes known for their captivating aromas, Moscato offers a light and refreshing body brimming with flavours of peach, orange blossom, and apricot. The unique floral notes can be attributed to linalool, an aromatic compound also found in mint, citrus flowers, and cinnamon.

This low-alcohol wine, typically between 5-7% ABV, is often lightly sparkling, adding a touch of fun and festivity to the experience. The wine’s sweetness complements the bold flavours of Asian cuisine, while its lighter body pairs beautifully with light meats and creamy cheeses

Whether you prefer the classic Moscato d’Asti or seek to explore the broader world of Moscato Bianco or Pink Moscato (Moscato Rose), these delightful wines offer a refreshing and approachable introduction to the world of wine.

Is Moscato a cheap wine?

Moscato wines are available at various price points, making them a budget-friendly option for many wine drinkers. While some high-end Moscato d’Asti bottlings may carry a premium price tag, there are plenty of delicious and affordable options available.

Moscato wine styles

Sparkling and semi-sparkling Moscato: These sweet wines have a strong aroma of peaches and orange blossoms. They have balanced acidity, bubbles, and a clean mineral finish. Classic examples include Moscato d’Asti (semi-sparkling) and Asti Spumante (sparkling)
Still Moscato: Still Moscato offers a completely smooth texture with no bubbles or fizz. Crafted from Muscat Blanc grapes like Spanish Moscatel or Austrian Muskateller, it’s dry on the palate. Yet, its captivatingly sweet and fruity aromas create a playful illusion of sweetness, making it a perfect choice for carb-conscious wine lovers. What is still?
Pink Moscato: These are made mostly with Muscat grapes and a touch of Merlot for their ruby-pink colour. Offers classic Moscato flavours with a hint of strawberry, akin to Brachetto d’Acqui. Try delightful Pink Moscato like the ODDSOCKS Sweet As Pink Moscato or the CRANSWICK Lakefield Pink Moscato.

Red Moscato (Black Muscat): This is the rarest Moscato variety made from the Black Muscat grape, which is a cross between a rare Italian red grape called Schiava and Muscat of Alexandria. It boasts raspberry, rose petals, violets, and subtle roasted black tea notes.

Moscato Dessert Wines: This style is sweeter than Moscato d’Asti. France offers Muscat de Rivesaltes, while Spain boasts a caramel-rich Moscatel Sherry. In Portugal, discover Moscatel de Setúbal and Greece offers the captivating Muscat of Samos. Sicilian Moscato undergoes partial drying for intense sweetness, and Australia’s Rutherglen Muscat is one of the world’s sweetest styles. Try the fresh and tangy BROWN BROTHERS Orange Muscat & Flora dessert wine!

Moscato wine alcohol content

With an alcohol content that falls between 5-7%, Moscato offers a lighter and more refreshing option.

What does Moscato wine taste like?

Moscato wines are renowned for their sweetness and captivating aromas. Common flavour profiles include:

Fruity notes: Peaches, apricots, orange blossom, pears, mandarin oranges and Meyer lemons
Floral: Honeysuckle, rose petals, and rosewater.
Sparkling: Many Moscato wines have a gentle effervescence. This adds a touch of fizz that enhances the wine’s refreshing qualities.

Is Moscato wine dry or sweet?

Moscato wines are predominantly sweet but can vary in sweetness depending on the winemaker’s vision. While generally featuring lower acidity, a hallmark of Moscato is a delightful hint of residual sugar, leaving a touch of sweetness on the palate.

Moscato wine serving tips: How do you drink Moscato?

Follow these tips to bring out the best in your Moscato.

Temperature: Chill your Moscato for optimal enjoyment! Aim for 7-10°C for white and pink varieties, while red Moscato prefers a slightly warmer 10°C. Sparkling Moscato deserves the coldest treatment at 4°C to keep those bubbles lively.
Glass shape: A white wine glass is ideal for concentrating the aromas. However, for sparkling Moscato, celebrate the bubbles with a classic Champagne flute.
Storing: Moscato is meant to be enjoyed young. Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, consume the wine within a few days.
Cellaring: Moscato isn’t intended for long-term ageing. It’s best enjoyed within a year or two of purchase.

What do you mix with Moscato?

Moscato’s sweetness makes it a versatile ingredient for cocktails. Popular options include:

Moscato mimosas: A classic brunch beverage, simply combine Moscato with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
Fruity Moscato cocktails: Experiment with fresh fruits like strawberries, peaches, or citrus to create refreshing summer drinks.

Food pairings

Moscato’s sweetness plays beautifully with Asian cuisine. Here are some other pairings to explore:

Meat: Chicken, turkey, duck, light flaky fish, pork tenderloin, shrimp, crab, lobster, halibut, cod, BBQ Pork.

Spices and herbs: Cinnamon, ginger, galangal, basil, lime, mint, cardamom, chilli, cayenne peppers, Teriyaki, BBQ.

Cheese: Medium to firm cheeses will pair excellently. Look for sheep and cow’s milk cheeses like cheddar, manchego, and asiago.

For vegetarians: Carrots, celery, fennel, tofu, orange, bell peppers, mango, pineapple, and green onions.

Your ticket to sweet sipping with Moscato

Moscato wine, or Muscat wine, is beloved for its sweet and floral aromas. This sweet white wine is light and refreshing, making it perfect for casual gatherings. It also pairs well with a variety of meals and crafting of cocktails. The Moscato wine promises an enjoyable sipping experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Get yours today!