Moscato

What Is Moscato? Made from muscat grapes, Moscato wine encompasses 200+ types. While it originated in Italy, it’s grown in wine regions worldwide. It’s a versatile wine that can grow in most climates. The term Moscato is really just the Italian word for the Muscat family of grapes. Considered a sweeter wine, the final product is decided by the winemaker. Some Moscato wines can be on the dry side. Most Moscato variations are light-bodied and sweet, with flavors of peaches, orange blossom, pears, mandarin oranges, Meyer lemons, and honeysuckle. Some Moscatos have light bubbles, too, that result from the medium acidity in the wine. This gives it a crisp finish and taste. While Moscato wines are known for being dessert wines or wine for cleansing palettes between courses, there are no rules about when you can drink Moscato. For some, it’s their go-to. Is Moscato sweet? Moscato is usually on the sweeter side, but there are dry variations, too. This is where the type, as well as the brand, can come into play. If you deem Moscato too sweet for your preferences but still crave a sweeter wine, try a Riesling instead. There are different types of Moscato, so you may want to sip around some. Popular types of Moscato Moscato d'Asti: Moscato d’Asti is a semi-sparkling wine made from Moscato bianco grape. Produced mainly in the Asti of northwest Italy, and in smaller nearby regions, this wine is sweet and usually has a low ABV. Risata makes a popular Moscato d’Asti, highlighted below. This is primarily a dessert wine, but drink however you choose. Pink Moscato: A glass of pink Moscato can just make someone happier, and even happier after that first sip. Pink Moscatos are a balanced combination of white and red wine that comes in still and sparkling variations. It’s usually a light-bodied wine with citrusy and fruity notes such as grapefruit, cherry, or pomegranate. Red Moscato: Red Moscato is a sweet red wine with juicy flavors such as raspberry or nectarine, although flavors can vary. Best served slightly chilled, the red Moscato offers a richer flavor than a traditional Moscato. Peach Moscato: You might come across peach Moscato wines which are usually sparkling with natural notes of peach. Peach Moscato wine is a delicate variation that you might be craving at the simple thought of it. Moscato Sangria: A Moscato sangria is the perfect way to spruce up a brunch or afternoon chat with friends. It’s deliciously sweet and usually finished with fresh fruit in the glass. Think of this variation as more of a Moscato cocktail. Popular moscato brands Now that we’ve covered some types of Moscato, let’s review some brands. Learning about wine brands can be just as fun as trying different wines. From how the brand began to what it stands for, and what its wines taste like, finding a brand you love can help you pick a bottle of wine amid all the choices. Barefoot Moscato: Barefoot Wines is one of the most awarded wine brands, praised for its innovative approach and diverse collection. You’ll notice their simple packaging makes choosing wine, easy, but that’s where the simplicity ends. Barefoot wines are flavorful yet affordable, and all created to make life a little more fun. It all started in 1965 when the first Barefoot Wine was created in Bynum Burgundy’s garage in Albany, California. Fast forward to 1995, winemaker extraordinaire, Jeniffer Wall, joined the team, and the rest was history. With something for every taste and occasion, choose Barefoot Wines for delicious wines. Castello Del Poggio Moscato: Nestled in the heart of Asti, an area in Italy that’s home to famous wines, Castello Del Poggio is an authentic Italian wine brand. Named after an ancient medieval fortress in the 12th century, today, this brand is devoted to deeply aromatic and light wines. If you have the chance to visit the Castello Del Poggio estate in Asti, you will never see one of their bottles of wine the same. With 185+ acres, the climate and atmosphere is ideal for growing delicious wines. Life is full of sweet moments, hence The Sweet Life collection of wines. La Dolce Vita is an Italian expression to describe a life full of sweet moments, beauty, pleasures, and events. As you bring a glass of the Castello Del Poggio Moscato to your lips, keep this mantra with you, and keep all things sweet. Risata Moscato d’Asti: While some are drawn to a royal blue bottle of wine, the Risata Moscato d’Asti is much more than that. This seductively sweet Moscato boasts juicy stone fruit, tart citrus, and floral honey flavors. Described as fresh and fragrant, it’s an ideal wine for pairing with that mouth-watering chocolate cake or dessert. Risata means laughter in Italian, if that clues you in as to what this brand is all about. Keep life light and enjoy the calm moments with a glass of Risata wine in your hand. Sourced from the finest vineyard in Italy, Risata will ensure quality wine is available for any moment you deem as the perfect moment to pour a refreshing glass of Moscato. The Risata Moscato d’Asti is one of the most sought after Moscato d'Asti in the country. Stella Rosa Moscato: Stella Rosa is a wine brand you might be familiar with. It all started in 1917 in Los Angeles. Now, Stella wines are made in Asti, a province in Piedmont, Italy. Semi-sweet and semi-sparkling wines are their niche, proven by their awards and innovation. Choose a Stella wine, and you will understand why. The Stella Rosa Moscato is a semi-sweet, semi-sparkling Moscato drawing notes of peach, apricot, and honey. While it’s a perfect dessert wine, it can be sipped all day or night, too. Consider pairing with dishes such as chicken Alfredo pasta or cheesecake. Bartenura Moscato d’Asti: Similar to Risata, Bartenura also makes a Moscato d’Asti. The Bartenura Moscato d’Asti is a semi-sweet, crisp, and refreshing choice with notes of pear, tangerine, nectar, and melon. Yum, right? Balanced with fine bubbles and fresh acidity, serve this wine chilled and enjoy!