![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.marketviewliquor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/01-what-is-moscato-v01.jpg\")
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Moscato has become something of a cultural phenomenon in recent days. Over the past few years, demand for Moscato has been on the rise, with consumers looking for a sweeter, lighter bodied wine with a low alcohol content. With its relatively low price point, delicate notes both fruity and floral and undeniable sweetness, this wine is perfect for wine<\/a> beginners, yet can be nuanced enough for a seasoned wine enthusiast to appreciate.<\/p>\n It seems Moscato wine is more than just a passing trend, so if you\u2019re wondering about Moscato wine, we\u2019ve put together a comprehensive guide.<\/p>\n Moscato (pronounced mo-ska-toh<\/a>) is a sweet Italian wine known for its fruity notes. Made from the Muscat grape, this white wine<\/a> is typically thought of as a dessert wine with a hint of fizz. Though there\u2019s some variation between the different types, Moscato generally has a pretty low alcohol content, hovering around 5-7%. As a point of reference, most red wines<\/a> have an alcohol content of about 10-12% ABV. The low alcohol content makes Moscato a great dessert drink for casual sipping, or the perfect addition to a brunch-time spritzer that won\u2019t derail your entire day.<\/p>\n What is Moscato wine made of? Despite variations in fizziness, color, and dryness, all Moscato wines come from the Muscat grape have a relatively similar flavor profile.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a look at the different types of Moscato:<\/p>\n Pink Moscato<\/strong> \u2014 Pink Moscato<\/a> a delightful variation on the wine, featuring white Moscato wine made from the Muscat Blanc grape, plus a dash of Merlot for good measure. Due to its more varied composition, Pink Moscato features an exciting lineup of flavorful nuances \u2014 rich caramel and vanilla notes play nicely with the fruitier flavors more closely associated with the common Moscato d\u2019Asti variety \u2014 nectarine, peach and citrus.<\/p>\n Asti Spumante<\/strong> \u2014 The fully sparkling version of Moscato, Asti Spumante<\/a> (or simply Asti) is the Muscat Blanc grape\u2019s answer to champagne.<\/p>\n Moscato d\u2019Asti<\/strong> \u2014 \u00a0This is the most common type of Moscato wine. It\u2019s white, sweet and slightly sparkling (what\u2019s known as \u201cfrizzante\u201d), and made from the Muscat Blanc grape. Moscato d\u2019Asti<\/a> is generally what you\u2019ll get if you ask for Moscato at most establishments.<\/p>\n Red Moscato<\/strong> \u2014 Made with black and orange Muscat grapes, Red Moscato<\/a> is the best of both worlds as far as red versus white wine is concerned. While it still has that signature Moscato taste and smell, red Moscato features a range of fruity notes from wild cherry to berry and peach.<\/p>\n Still Moscato<\/strong> \u2014 Also known as Moscatel or Muscat Blanc<\/a>. This Moscato comes without the wine\u2019s signature sparkle, and uses either the Zibibbo or the Muscat Blanc grape. You won\u2019t find this still white wine in every supermarket, but if you do, it\u2019s a bit different, so die hard Moscato fans might not love this as much as their usual bottle. Some it\u2019s interesting to try Moscatos which are completely dry, featuring ABVs that more closely resemble other wines. The alcohol content hovers at around 12%.<\/p>\n Dessert Moscato<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Though all Moscatos are quite sweet and have a reputation as a great dessert wine, this oak-aged style is commonly associated with wine made from Moscatel grapes, hailing from various regions in the world \u2014 France, the US, South America and more.<\/p>\n Though it hails from Italy, Moscato grows just about anywhere in the world. From its European origins, Moscato can be grown in almost any climate, though the plant prefers the accommodating warmth of the Mediterranean climate, thriving in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and certain regions of Australia.<\/p>\n Moscato is one of the oldest varieties of wine, making an appearance throughout history in several different cultures spanning thousands of years. The long history of the grapes throughout has resulted in a variety of mutations and crossings \u2014 creating at least 200 variations of the Muscat grape.<\/p>\n Here are the more common varieties of the Muscat grape:<\/p>\n Asti and Moscato d\u2019Asti \u2014 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the well-travelled history of this grape, most Moscato you\u2019ll see comes from a region in Italy, called Asti. Province, town and wine, this triple threat name is part of the Piedmont area in Northwestern Italy<\/p>\n Since the early 1990\u2019s however, Asti Spumante was promoted to DOCG classification, which is the highest designation in Italian wines \u2014 quite an achievement. At that point, the wine officially dropped the word \u201cspumante,\u201d in an effort to elevate the wine by getting rid of the suffix. There are countless other wines that use the spumante suffix as well, but it generally refers to a specific wine\u2019s sparkling version, in order to differentiate a wine that isn\u2019t traditionally sparkling. In the region of Asti, the sparkling aspect is essential to its style, so wine experts deemed the qualification was redundant and somehow cheapened the wine itself.<\/p>\n While the name Asti on its own refers exclusively to the fully sparkling version of the white wine, Asti Spumante, as we mentioned Moscato d\u2019Asti refers to the more slightly sparkling wine (frizzante) that we generally associate with the name Moscato.<\/p>\n Moscato d\u2019Asti and Asti are easy to mix up, despite some subtle, yet important differences. With Asti, you\u2019ll get a sweet white wine that is fully sparkling. Its alcohol content is usually around 9%. Moscato d’Asti on the other hand is a little bit sweeter than its sparkling counterpart. This popular white wine has a touch of sparkle \u2014 known as frizzante \u2014 and has a relatively low ABV of about 5 or 6%.<\/p>\n The main difference between these two types of wine lies in the power of the bubbles. As far as Italian wine experts are concerned, sparkles are a big deal. Asti, the spumante wine of the two, is subjected to a minimum of 4 atmospheres of pressure. On the other hand, the Moscato d\u2019Asti is subjected to 1 atmosphere of pressure.<\/p>\n As a handy trick in case you don\u2019t feel like reading the label too closely, wineries tend to top Asti off with a big wired down cork similar to champagne, because of the pressure, while Moscato d\u2019Asti has a more traditional cork.<\/p>\n Moscato d’Asti is a sweet and delicate wine, and as a result, it takes the bulk of the Asti region\u2019s ripe grapes. Because of this, the less ripe, more acidic leftover grapes are used in the sparkling Asti wine. The higher concentration of alcohol in combination with the higher fizziness doesn\u2019t require the grapes to be as sweet.<\/p>\n To be sure, sweet and sparkly Moscato is great on its own, but its distinctive aroma can prove tricky when pairing with tasty bites. While Moscato surely won\u2019t stand up against a big steak, it really shines when paired with a dessert menu.<\/p>\n As a general rule, Moscato wines work really well when paired with similar fruit flavors. Pair this wine with a peach or nectarine tart or warm berry pie for a fruit on fruit experience. It also works well with nuttier flavors. The wine\u2019s tasting notes of nectarine and citrus really shine when paired up against the subtle flavors of a buttery almond pastry.<\/p>\n Another great option? Opt for a cheese plate. This wine and cheese combination is a classic that never fails to impress, but you will want to pick cheeses that are light and fresh, rather than aggressively sharp and smelly. Your best bet will be a gorgonzola or a crescenza. Top off with some fresh figs, grapes, nuts or whatever else sounds good and you\u2019ve got the perfect party platter to serve alongside Moscato.<\/p>\n Moscato Dinner Pairings<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for something a little more unexpected than a dessert pairing, we\u2019ve got you covered. Believe it or not, Moscato can be a great dinner pairing for certain types of food.<\/p>\n Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines all work really well with Moscatos. The high aromatic content of these regional cuisines balance out the natural sweetness in Moscato \u2014 plus, because the alcohol volume is so low, Moscato works in place of the lighter lagers that are usually served alongside spicier dishes. As an added bonus, the sweetness of Moscato is the perfect choice to balance out the spiciness of a dish such as ginger, cinnamon and hot chili peppers.<\/p>\n Like other white wines, Moscato works best at the dinner table when paired with lighter proteins like chicken or fish. While chicken is always a safe bet, you can also try pairing your wine with a rich barbecue pork or marinated tofu.<\/p>\n Being from the same grape means Moscatos all share a general flavor profile \u2014 sweet, fruity and a touch woodsy. However, the little differences between add up, shifting the pairing options ever so slightly. Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n Whether you play up the dessert factor or go for a brunch-ready Moscato mimosa, we\u2019ve dug up a few delicious (not to mention, easy to make) Moscato cocktail recipes that offer a bit of a departure from your usual dessert sipper.<\/p>\n Moscato Honey Wine Cocktail<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Moscato meets more sweetness in this easy-to-make drink<\/a>. Before you dismiss this as sweetness overload, keep in mind pairing basics. The sweet white wine plays nicely with fresh raspberries and the subtle sweetness of the honey.\u00a0Honey, wine and fresh fruit come together to create a perfectly refreshing drink that can easily take the place of dessert.<\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n Instructions<\/strong><\/p>\n Apple Cider Sangria with Red Moscato <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n A unique take on the sangria, this version<\/a> brings the summertime staple right into the fall and winter months. Made with apple cider and a delicious lineup of seasonal fruits, this Red Moscato Sangria is the perfect drink to serve at a low-key weekend get together, or just a regular Tuesday night.<\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n Directions<\/strong><\/p>\n Strawberry Grapefruit Mimosas<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The perfect drink for a special occasion, this fruity drink breathes new life into the classic all-you-can-drink brunch staple. Sweet Moscato wine pairs nicely with strawberries, the contrasting tartness of grapefruit and the little kick of tequila.<\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n Instructions<\/strong><\/p>\n Asti with Coriander and Lime <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Sure, this simple Asti cocktail only has three ingredients, but sometimes less is more. This sparkling drink provides the perfect after-work relief on a hot evening.<\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n Instructions<\/strong><\/p>\n Want to learn more about Moscato? Take a look at these FAQs and see if we can answer your questions!<\/p>\n Moscato is considered a sweet wine due to its lower acidity and high levels of residual sugar. The wine\u2019s exact sweetness and flavor will depend on the winemaker\u2019s style. To get Moscato\u2019s signature sweetness, most winemakers stop the fermentation process earlier than with other blends, resulting in a crisp, sweet finish.<\/p>\n Moscato is part of the dessert wine family along with other popular sweet wines like Zinfandels and Tokajis.<\/p>\n Moscato is most certainly a variety of wine. However, some kinds of Moscato are sparkling, and it does share a few commonalities with Champagne, including:<\/p>\n The main difference between Moscato and Champagne is their fermentation and carbonation processes. Champagne gets carbonated through a secondary fermentation process, while Moscato is fermented with carbon dioxide, leaving slight carbonation behind.<\/p>\n This light, sweet wine often pairs with desserts, so it’s no surprise that Moscato is a dessert wine. While there’s no universal way of defining \u201cdessert wine,\u201d wines in this category generally have sweeter, more pronounced flavors that pair well with fruit and confectionery. They also tend to have more residual sugar after the fermentation process, adding to their sweetness.<\/p>\n Due to its slight carbonation, there are not many other dessert wines that have a flavor profile like Moscato’s. If you’re hoping to add some variety to your collection, though, consider\u00a0a Prosecco or a\u00a0sparkling Riesling<\/a>.<\/p>\n Moscato is a highly accessible wine, and as such, adding this wine to your everyday repertoire won’t break the bank. Most bottles are well below triple-digit prices<\/a>, so you can indulge in enough to satisfy all your friends and family.<\/p>\n While some people may consider \u201ccheap\u201d wine to be of lesser quality, in this case, it simply means it’s easy to drink and easy to share. In recent years, Moscato has gained quite a following, and people from all backgrounds have found something to enjoy in this wine. If you like a light, sweet drink to finish off your meal and ease you into your evening, Moscato is an excellent choice<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whether you’re out at a friendly picnic or hosting an important dinner party, you’re sure to please the crowd with a bottle \u2014 or a few! \u2014 of Moscato at your side.<\/p>\n As a dessert wine, Moscato is firmly in the sweet wine family. Other popular sweet wines include Zinfandels<\/a> and Tokajis<\/a>. The wine’s exact sweetness will depend on the winemaker’s style, but usually, sweet wines have more residual sugar than dry wines. To get Moscato’s signature sweetness, most winemakers stop the fermentation process earlier than with other blends, resulting in a crisp, sweet finish.<\/p>\n Looking for Moscato wine delivered directly to you? Look no further than Marketview Liquor<\/a>. We\u2019ve got it all from your basic (and delicious) Moscato d\u2019Asti to the more colorful pinks and reds<\/a>, as well as the sparkling, suffix-optional Asti.<\/p>\n Check out our extensive selection of wines to find the best Moscato wines<\/a> at the best prices, plus 50% off shipping<\/a> on select bottles of 12 or more. Additionally, mix and match a variety of other red and white wine<\/a> or liquor<\/a> to be eligible for a 10% case discount<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Moscato has become something of a cultural phenomenon in recent days. Over the past few years, demand for Moscato has been on the rise, with consumers looking for a sweeter, lighter bodied wine with a low alcohol content. With its relatively low price point, delicate notes both fruity and floral and undeniable sweetness, this wine […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2963,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[128],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-696","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wine"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Moscato Wine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Moscato](\"https:\/\/www.marketviewliquor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/02-sweet-italian-wine-v01.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nMuscat Grapes Go Global<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nTailor Made for Dessert Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Chinese,](\"https:\/\/www.marketviewliquor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/07-chinese-v02.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPairing Foods with Pink and Red Moscatos<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Our Favorite Moscato Drink Recipes <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Moscato FAQs<\/h2>\n
Is Moscato Sweet or<\/strong> Dry?<\/h3>\n
Is Moscato a Wine or Champagne?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What Kind of Wine Is Moscato?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Is Moscato Considered Cheap Wine?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Is Moscato Wine Dry or Sweet?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Buy Moscato Wine Online<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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