Moscato is a hot topic in the world of wine. Its sweet nature makes it polarizing — meaning people usually reach for it as their wine of choice or keep their distance. But here's the thing: Moscato is much more versatile than you may realize.
For all our friends who prefer to sip on the sweet side, we’re sharing 7 things you may not know 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 has its own version. You’ll see “Moscatel” in Spain and “Muskateller” in Germany. (Take note: Muscat and Muscadine are two entirely different species of grape, so don’t be fooled there.)
Technically, if the bottle says “Moscato,” it should come from Italy, but that’s not always the case. For example, wine producers in 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 well with some of your favorite Asian dishes
Because Moscato is low in alcohol with high sweetness, it pairs perfectly with spice. Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese cuisine, from curries to dim sum and pho, are best served with a chilled glass of Moscato. Aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom pair well, in most cases.
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?
