Moscato is loved by many and hated by a few. It’s also one of the most popular wines on the market. This wine is a popular choice because it is fizzy, sweet and creamy. But not all Moscato wines are created equal.
Most people are familiar with Moscato di Asti, a popular off-dry/sweet wine from northern Italy. These pleasantly sweet, balanced wines with tons of acidity and sweetness are easy to drink when vinified properly. However, Moscato’s potential viticultural value extends far beyond Italy.
Moscato d’Asti, also known as muscat, muscat blanc a petits grain or muscat, is made from the moscato bianco grape. G.D. is our top choice. Vajra Moscato d’ Asti is a grape from the Piedmont region of Italy. However, the grape can also be grown in Alsace, Greece and southern France. Each of these regions produces unique expressions. Moral of the story: This versatile grape can do so much.
Best Overall: G.D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti
The most well-known form of moscato d’Asti is the moscato d’Asti, which hails from Italy’s Piemont region. It can be described as off-dry or sweet, and it comes in various effervescence levels, from spumante to spumante. G.D. Vajra is a respected producer in the region. They are well-known for their longstanding history, responsible farming practices and beautifully-crafted bottles. The wine’s fruit-driven palate is bursting with juicy pears and honeysuckle notes.
Best for Brunch: Risata Moscato D’Asti
For brunch with friends that aren’t too boozy, choosing a wine with low alcohol is important. Try Moscato di Asti.
Risata wines’ popular Risata expression is light and effervescent, with succulent honey, stone fruit, and fresh-cut flower notes. You can enjoy it chilled alone or with sweet brunch dishes such as crepes, fruit pancakes, or gooey French Toast.
Best Budget: Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d’Asti
The classic Moscato d’Asti is made from organically-farmed fruit. It is made by one of Piedmont’s most renowned names. The palate will be awash with honey, canned peaches and white flower petals. Light salads, fruit parfaits and Italian-inspired cheese boards are great accompaniments.
“When I search for good moscato I don’t look for a specific style or sweetness level,” Erin Scala, founder and CEO of In Vino Veritas in Keswick. “A good moscato will usually come from someone who approaches the grape with respect, someone who values the wine’s history.” The wine can be exhilarating and delicious if you look at it through that lens.
Best Sparkling: Sant’Orsola Moscato d’Asti
You can have spumante or frizzante, so why choose? Frizzante sparkling wines are characterized by a richer mouthfeel and a stronger mousse. Sant’Orsola offers the best of both worlds. The standard Moscato has a lot of citrus rind and stone fruit flavors, while the spumante is more floral-driven with white blossoms and honeysuckle. You will not regret it if you grab one of the two and compare them side-by-side.
Best for Dessert: La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato d’Asti
La Spinetta’s creamy, sweet Moscato is great for pairing with desserts. When paired with tartlets, fruit pies, or parfaits, the juiciness of honey, green apple, and peach skin comes alive. Are you looking for the perfect way to end a long dinner? This bottle is the perfect way to end a long meal.
Scala says, “When I feel that people don’t appreciate moscato (which happens quite often), I try and tell them about (historical expressions that) helped save a post-phylloxera Crete as well as (wines that were once a jewel in the Mediterranean).” Simply put, this grape is like drinking historical wine.