Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a newfound lover of wines, then chances are you will have at least heard of Moscato wines.
And if you’re partial to a wine full of charm and sweetness, then we think you’ll quite like what you discover from a glass of this wine.
Moscato is a wine renowned for always containing plenty of intricate and luscious flavors and some great aromas.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these delicious wines, including what Moscato is, how it tastes, what you should pair it with, and what some of the best Moscato wines on the market are!
So, prepare to immerse yourself in the world of tantalizing tastes, aromas, and a hint of sweetness as we embark on an adventure deep into the world of Moscato wines.
If you were to ask a wine lover their opinion on Moscato, chances are you’d get something of a mixed response (see also “Best Wine Selection To Gift A Wine Lover“). You see, Moscato is under-appreciated, over-hated, and often ignored.
Moscato is a wine that is often adored by those who are new to the wine-enthusiast scene, and as a result, gets looked down upon by rather snobby critics, ultimately giving it something of a bad reputation.
However, we’re here to help set the record straight when it comes to this delicious wine, as it has plenty of endearing qualities that will help to turn you from a Moscato hater into a Moscato lover!
Derived from the Italian word “Muscat”, Moscato originates from the Piedmont region of Italy, which has become known worldwide for the production of its incredible wines over the years.
The secret behind Moscato’s incredible taste is the Moscato white grape used to produce it, which helps to produce the distinguishable sweet taste and floral aroma that have helped to make this wine so popular (see also “Best Sweet Red Wine: Buying Guide“).
Some of the best Moscato wines on the market will often display notes of other flavors too, including peach, apricot, pear, and even some fresh herbs.
It’s this mellowed combination of flavors that makes it such an appealing choice of wine to those who are relatively new wine lovers, and its sweet taste does make it especially moreish too.
What Does Moscato Taste Like?
One of the most common questions that people who have yet to savor the taste of Moscato ask is “Is Moscato sweet or not?”, and the answer is absolutely yes!
If you’re shopping for Moscato in the United States, then most of the Moscatos you’ll find on sale will feature a prominent sweet taste.
Sweet-tasting Moscato is generally the preferred choice amongst customers, however, there are both dry and medium-dry varieties out there, they just tend to be a lot less common.
Many people often describe Moscato’s taste as being particularly lively, and almost flirtatious, which is all thanks to the incredible fruitiness that emanates from the Muscat grape.
The combination of flavors in this wine tastes almost effortless, and the wine itself is incredibly light-hearted, making it an excellent wine choice for warmer weather.
Moscato is certainly one of the more enchanting wines out there, and its sweet symphony is sure to help convert even the most outspoken wine haters into raving fans.
So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a wine that can transport you to a place of sheer delight, then don’t listen to the snobby critics, indulge yourself in the best Moscato you can find and enjoy!
What Goes With Moscato Wine?
For those who haven’t yet familiarized themselves with this wine, it can be somewhat difficult to know what exactly you should be pairing it with.
But while you might believe its bold sweetness and diverse vibrant flavors, the reality is that this wine can be paired with any number of different culinary treats, making it an incredibly versatile choice for any occasion (see also “Pork Wine Pairing: 10 Best Wines To Pair With Pork“).
Fresh Fruit
While Moscato is also a rather fruity-scented and tasting wine, to begin with, it still works perfectly well when paired with some delicious fresh fruit.
Whether it’s strawberries, peaches, or even a fresh fruit salad, the addition of Moscato is going to be a match made in heaven and will be especially delicious while soaking up the sun in your garden.
Light Appetizers
Thanks to its rather light taste, Moscato also pairs well with appetizers too. So if you’re looking for a wine that isn’t going to compromise the delicate appetizers on offer by being heavy, then Moscato is an excellent choice.
With its Italian origin, Moscato paired with some bruschetta topped with tomatoes and basil, with a drizzle of olive oil, will certainly make for a great pairing.
Spicy Cuisine
As with any sweet wine, it works exceptionally well as a balancer alongside spicy dishes.
This can include some different cuisines, whether that’s Thai, Indian, or South American, the refreshing nature of Moscato will be a welcome accompaniment.
Desserts
While the idea of pairing an already sweet dessert with a similarly sweet wine might seem slightly garish and over the top, the companionship between desserts and Moscato is a popular one, so it works well!
Chocolate-covered strawberries, sorbets, and fruit tarts all make for great choices of dessert to go with Moscato, so try them out sometime.
Seafood
Wine and seafood are a well-versed combination, and while there are wines better suited to match up with the heavier seafood dishes out there, Moscato is perfectly paired with some of the lighter seafood dishes out there, such as a fresh seafood salad, grilled shrimp, or even oysters!
Cheeses
Another one of Moscato’s best pairing partners is cheese, more specifically, cheeses that are soft, creamy, and mild are usually the best choices. Opt for things such as camembert, brie, or chevre cheese!
Best Moscato Wines
No doubt after making your way through our guide, you’re desperate to try out some of the delicious Moscato wines out there, but which one should you go for? And what about sparkling Moscato wine, is that worth trying?
If you require some help when it comes to choosing a Moscato wine, try some of the wines included below, and you’ll be sure to enjoy all of the tastes and aromas they bring to your wine glass!
Quady Electra Moscato
An offering from sunny California, the fruity notes of this wine are incredibly prominent, making it an excellent summer wine.
Barefoot Cellars Moscato White Wine
If you’ve never even so much as sipped a Moscato before, Barefoot’s Moscato White Wine is a great choice for those looking for an accessible choice.
Stella Rose Imperiale Moscato
Arguably one of the most revered sparkling Moscatos on the market, this Stella Rose wine certainly packs a punch, and those added bubbles
Vietti Moscato d’Asti
This semi-sparkling wine is an Italian wine crafted with those signature Muscat grapes. Brimming with plenty of great aromas and flavors, this wine is a fine addition to any summer evening.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this guide to the best Moscato wines has been able to transform you into a lover of this incredible wine. Enjoy!
My name is Jon, and I am the founder of this site, Nautivinewine.com.
I started this site to share my love of wine with everyone, from beginners to seasoned wine connoisseurs.
Perhaps you are looking to expand your knowledge on wine, or maybe you just want to know which wines to pair with chicken and fish. No matter the question, I can answer it for you here.
