However, a few varieties of Muscat are best known as Moscato, a floral and sweet white wine. These grapes, prized for their sweetness, are still often eaten as a table grape or even made into raisins. Other sweet wines include Riesling, White Merlots, and White Zinfandel.Muscat grapes have a long history - they have been in existence since antiquity and were first mentioned by name in the 13th century. We offer two Moscato varietals, one in elegant white and another in sweet, summery pink. Our favorite sweet wine is the Barefoot Moscato, of course. There are not many comparisons to M3oscato wines besides other Moscatos, but Gewürztraminer, semi-sweet versions of Prosecco and sparkling versions of a semi-sweet Riesling are suitable options. Moscato is different from other wines because of its low alcohol content and the fizzy and aromatic nature of the drink. The carbon dioxide helps to ensure not all of the sugar converts to alcohol, giving it the sweet flavor. So, how does Moscato get its fizzy texture? Unlike most wines, Moscato is bottled with a bit of carbon dioxide to produce some of the bubbles. To keep it sweet, Jen combines cool temperatures, modern technology, and a careful process to ensure that some sugars remain for the semi-sweet Moscato. The sugar converts to alcohol and carbon dioxide during this process, typically leaving dry wine. Together with the grape skins, wine is created during the fermentation process. Like other winemakers, Jen makes 3Moscato wines from the must (pulp) of red or black grapes. The Muscat grapes, Muscat of Alexandria, or Orange Muscat are also used in red wines, like sherry. The Muscat grape’s high sugar content gives a Moscato wine its sweetness. Moscato d’Asti is named after Muscat grapes, with origins to the Italian town of Asti. Muscat grapes are grown throughout the world, but specific wines often use grapes from specific areas. All said, the wines have received more than 2,000 medals, countless accolades, and – best of all – the support of legions of fans around the world. Her wines carry the honor of being the most-awarded still and sparkling wines in U.S. Moscato d'Asti hails from Italy's Northwest region of Piedmont, an area that also birthed the famous Barolo wine.īarefoot Wine Moscato is made in California by none other than the award-winning Jennifer Wall. At the base, Muscat Aroma also includes orange blossom, honeysuckle, almonds, ginger, green grapes, citrus tones, and ripe peach. This is because it contains high amounts of a chemical compound called linalool. Moscato offers one of the most unique scents available in modern wines, which is colloquially known as “Muscat Aroma.”Īt the top, the floral aromatics in Muscat-based wines features a calming smell found in mint, lavender, citrus flowers, and cinnamon. There’s nothing quite like smelling sweet Moscato for the first time. Though Moscato is often sweet, its low alcohol (5-7% ABV) and refreshing flavor profile makes Moscato more than just a dessert wine. Dessert Moscato wines are most commonly sourced from the South of France, Southern Spain, Australia, and the U.S. These grapes tend to have a thick oily texture and a tawny color.

These wines are typically made with Moscatel grapes (aka Muscat of Alexandria) or Orange Muscat. This style isn’t very common, although its alcohol content is much higher than most Moscatos (close to 12% ABV). This sweet frizzante bubbly wine has high aromatics and light alcohol level (close to 5-6% ABV).Ī still Moscato is made from Muscat Blanc or Moscatel grapes. This style is mainly found in the province of Asti, Italy, so naturally it’s called Moscato d’Asti. Sparkling Moscato is made from Muscat Blanc grapes. The “best” Moscato depends on the foods you pair with it and when you’re enjoying it. There are 3 major Moscato wine types: Sparkling Moscato d’Asti, still Moscato, and dessert Moscato. Be sure to avoid sharp flavors as they may overpower the Moscato.īecause Moscato tends to be on the sweet side with hints of peach, apricot, and nectarine, it pairs well with brie, gorgonzola, and soft goat cheese. If you’re looking for the best possible Moscato and cheese pairing, go with creamier cheeses. You can also pair Moscato with lighter meats like chicken and fish. Pink Moscato has a sweet taste that controls the flavors of aromatic ginger, cardamom, and chile peppers often found in Chinese dishes. Don’t pair it with chocolate, though-its flavors may prove too rich to pair well.įor full-on meals, look no further than spicy, aromatic Chinese food. Moscato pairs extremely well with creamy desserts and fruit tarts as well as caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, and coconut flavors. When it comes to pairing Moscato with foods, you need to remember that its flavors are sweet and sugary, with hints of orange blossom, peach, and other fruit flavors.