If your drink of choice is wine, then you definitely know that white wine is the best choice for fish, seafood as well as it can be enjoyed on its own. Moreover, there are dozens of varieties of white wines that will suit every palate –  even the pickiest one. One of the most popular white wines these days is Moscato.

Every fan of white wine has definitely encountered, or at least heard of Moscato.

Is Moscato A Dry Wine? This delicious wine comes from Italy and owes its name to the type of grapes it’s made of – Muscat Blanc.  These white grapes give the wine various fruity notes, such as citrus, peach and oranges, and impeccable sweetness. As a rule, Moscato has a pretty low alcohol content, averaging at 5% t to 7%, and is classified as a sweet wine – not a dry one.

While some types from different regions may be a little less sweet than others, all Moscato wines are fruity with citrus and peachy undertones. Due to its sweetness, it’s a perfect drink for desserts as well as casual drinking with friends or on your own.

If you’re intrigued, there is a lot more to know about this fruity wine. So here are some of the basics you will definitely enjoy if you’re a wine connoisseur or simply a fan.

What’s Moscato’s wine profile?

The traditional version of Moscato is light-bodied, fizzy and fruity. It offers notes of citrus, peaches, and nectarines, which guarantee its sweetness. Furthermore, for an advanced wine taster, subtle notes of almonds and ginger can be tasted. The standard color is often straw yellow, but deeper shades of yellow are also very common – obviously, depending on whether it’s a Pink Moscato or Red Moscato.

What types of Moscato are there?

Even those Moscato is a white wine, it does come in various flavors and shades – it can even be red wine! All its types are sweet and fruity, but they offer different notes.

Pink Moscato – This delightful variation is made of Muscat Blanc grapes and a splash of Merlot – which give it its pink color. Due to its mixed composition, this wine offers caramel and vanilla notes – coming from the Merlot – as well as the traditional Moscato flavors of citrus, peaches, and nectarines.

Asti Spumante – This sparkling version is Moscato’s version of champagne, hence it can be used for various celebratory occasions.

Moscato d’Asti – It’s a slightly sparkling wine (often referred to as “frizzante”) and is the most common version of Moscato available. That’s the type you will definitely receive when asking for a Moscato wine at any restaurant worldwide.

Red Moscato – This version is made from black and red Muscat grapes. It has notes of cherry and other berries as well as peaches and citrus, which makes it the best of both worlds, as far as white and red wines go.

Still Moscato – This still wine comes without the staple sparkling nature of Moscato and is made from many Muscat grape types. It tastes a bit different than the traditional Moscato and is also not widely available in stores, but it’s definitely a wine worth trying.

Dessert Moscato – While Moscato wines are generally very sweet, this oaky-flavored version is aged in many regions and goes well with desserts of any type. Moreover, it’s a popular choice for lunches due to its lightness and peachy undertones that complement each dish.

Is Moscato or Pink Moscato sweeter?

Since Pink Moscato is made with Merlot, it is less sweet than its traditional counterpart. Moscato is produced solely with the sweet Muscat grapes, which give it the delightful tones. On the other hand, Pink Moscato is more suitable for people who do not enjoy such sweet wines but still crave that citrus kick that Moscato gives.

Furthermore, Pink Moscato, depending on the brand and the amount of Merlot added, can be used to make various drinks and cocktails for summer, since it still has its classic fizziness.

Is Moscato suitable for cooking?

Contrary to what you might think, Moscato is actually a very good wine for cooking. It can add a splash of sweetness to a savory dish as well it can spice up almost any dessert. While it’s not suitable for many types of meat, it can go well with almost any cocktail, pie, and other desserts.

What does Moscato go well with?

Due to its sweetness and citrus notes, Moscato goes well with all desserts – especially the less sweet ones, such as summer salads or hazelnut treats, since the wine adds elegance and a splash of fruitiness to it. Similarly, it pairs well with cheese platters and appetizers. The best cheeses to enjoy while sipping Moscato are soft ones, such as brie and camembert, or blue cheeses.

Furthermore, Moscato can also be enjoyed with various cured meats, such as salami, Prosciutto and many more – the higher sodium content the better as it balances well with the sweetness of the wine. What’s more, peanuts and seeds are also a wonderful pairing, especially when joined by some crunchy vegetables on a platter.

Moscato wines are also a very common base for sangrias. Thanks to their fruity profile, they compliment oranges, peaches, and berries used in making sangrias perfectly – all while adding sweetness. For making a sangria, it’s usually best to use Pink Moscato or Red Moscato in order to achieve that perfect color.

Finally, you can also choose to end your meal on a sweeter note with a glass of Moscato. It will compliment whatever food you were having and help your stomach get ready for a dessert.

What wines are similar to Moscato?

When looking for alternatives to Moscato, Pinot Grigio is the best choice. This white wine still has all the citrus notes that Moscato offers, but it’s on the drier side, so it can be consumed with a variety of different foods. If you’re looking for a frizzy alternative, Prosecco is yet another perfect choice. It has an aromatic flavor of peaches and still delivers the sweetness associated with Moscato wines.

Generally, all sweet sparkling wines share similar fruity notes, so searching for Moscato alternative is not such a daunting task – especially if you’re looking for white wines.

What are the best Moscato wine brands?

When shopping for Moscato wines, Barefoot is one of the most common and accessible choices, while maintaining the traditional notes and flavors. However, if you’re looking for something more sophisticated, then Innocent Bystander, Mallee Point, Marchese Dell’elsa or Risata are some of the tastiest to consider. Generally, many famous wine brands offer Moscato wines these days, since this wine type has become such a popular choice for drinking – especially among the younger generations.

Furthermore, many local store brands offer Moscato wines, so checking out shops near you is also a good idea. You never know – you might find your new favorite wine without much hassle!