What is Moscato?
Moscato is a sweet, floral, and slightly fizzy wine made from the muscat grape, known for its peach and orange flavours and low alcohol content. As you might have guessed, Moscato is just the Italian word for the muscat grape family!
Historically viewed as a dessert wine, Moscato has become incredibly popular with lyrics like ‘still over in Brazil sipping Moscato’ and, ‘lobster and shrimp and a glass of Moscato” rapped by Lil’ Kim and Drake in recent years. The subtle fizz (frizzante), the easy-drinking notes of peach, orange, and nectarine, and often sub 10% ABV means drinkers have flocked to this varietal in their droves making it America’s fastest-growing wine!
Another reason behind the Moscato surge is its food-friendliness. Not only is it a delicious sipper on its own and a fantastic cocktail ingredient, but the sweetness of the wine also pairs with spicy dishes incredibly well. Is there anything this wine cannot do?
Muscat vines are versatile and are grown not just all over Italy but also in France, Spain, and Australia to name a few. There are actually hundreds of varietals within Muscat so it’s a wine that includes many different types, the most popular being Moscato di Asti and whilst most is white, you can also expect to see pinks and reds out there, each with varying levels of fizz, acidity, and sweetness. Let’s get into the best of them…
Which Moscato should I try?
Michele Chiarlo Moscato d'Asti Nivole 2022
The wall of peach, apricot and honey fragrance is intense in this d’Asti, which is a benchmark of the varietal. The bubbles are only slight, the fruit feels fantastically fresh and at only 5%, the light sweetness is quaffable all night long.
Size: 375ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £18.73
Hugh Hamilton Goldilocks Moscato 2022
Australia is loving Moscato over the last few years, and this release from the McLaren Vale region is a top example. Previously pink, Goldilocks is back to blonde with one of the freshest and juiciest Moscato wines out there. Ripe orange and fleshy melon feature in this summery delight.
Size: 375ml
ABV: 6.5%
Find here: £13.50
Still Moscato - Bodegas Ochoa Vendimia Tardía Moscatel 2021
This is a Spanish Moscato from the Olite, the wine capital of Navarra. At the boozier end of Moscato, this is a tropical delight that’s punchy with raisins, orange blossom and notes of honey on toast. Definitely one to enjoy with desserts!
Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £16.95
Pink Moscato - Yellow Tail Pink Moscato
One of the more familiar faces on supermarket shelves, this Australian Rosé style Pink Moscato is a strawberry dream. Raspberry and crunchy green apple round off a sweet and refreshing expression wonderfully. A glass of summer.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: £7.99
Red Moscato (Black Muscat) - Quady Elysium 2021
The Black Muscat varietal is used to make the trendy Red Moscato, and this liquid from Quady in California is a top-notch example. Still bursting with ripe berries and aromatic rose, there is also a vibrant acidity and caramelisation behind the crimson hue, as well as a very delicate touch of spice that isn’t there with paler Moscato.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £14.99
Sweet Moscato - Domaine Boudau Muscat de Rivesaltes 2022
Over to Languedoc-Roussilon in France for Domaine Boudau’s sweet and fruity style. There is a richness and complexity here that goes beyond most Moscato blends, and a silky texture that fills the mouth with sweet tropical citrus - think sun-kissed lemon, pineapple, and lychee. Elderflower, poached pear, and candied orange add layers to what is a mouth-wateringly intense sweet Moscato.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 15.5%
Find here: £18.50
If you’re interested in trying new types of wine just like Moscato but don’t know where to start, then how about you let an expert sort it all for you? Try these Wine Subscription Services to get a whole range of different and exciting wines straight to your door.