News19/02/2025 02:24:53
DISCOVERING MOSCATO WINE
If you're already familiar with traditional white and red wines, then Moscato might be the refreshing and delightful alternative you’ve been looking for especially for summer. As one of the oldest wine styles in the world, Moscato has gained immense popularity and is now highly sought after. Let’s explore the fascinating characteristics of this wine with InWine!
1/ GRAPE VARIETY
Most Moscato wines are made from Muscat grapes (also known as Moscatel), a variety with origins in the Middle East that was already widely favored in Ancient Greece for winemaking. Muscat grapes thrive particularly well in warm climates, making Mediterranean regions the ideal environment for their growth.
2/ FLAVOR
Moscato wines are renowned for their enchanting aroma, offering notes of citrus, ripe pear, sweet Meyer lemon, orange blossom, and honeysuckle. The wine’s distinctive floral fragrance comes from linalool, an aromatic compound commonly found in mint, citrus flowers, and cinnamon, giving Moscato its signature perfumed character.
3/ ALCOHOL
Moscato wines come in a variety of styles, but they share a common characteristic: low alcohol content, typically ranging between 5-7% ABV. This is significantly lower than most white wines. The reason lies in Moscato’s naturally sweet and floral-driven profile a higher alcohol level would overpower its delicate aromas and flavors, diminishing its elegant and refreshing appeal.
4/ CLASSIFICATIONS
Moscato is one of the oldest wine styles, thriving across various wine-producing countries such as France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Israel, and beyond. Each region offers its own distinct interpretation of Moscato, but five key styles stand out:
- Sparkling and Semi-Sparkling Moscato
+ Italian wines like Moscato d'Asti (semi-sparkling) and Asti Spumante (fully sparkling) are the most iconic examples of this style. Most wines labeled "Moscato" are crafted in one of these two styles, often holding the prestigious DOCG classification of Italy.
+ These wines are aromatic and sweet yet perfectly balanced with natural acidity from fermented fruit, delivering a refreshing and crisp experience. Their vibrant and effervescent nature makes them ideal for summer celebrations, beach gatherings, and poolside parties.
- Moscato d’Asti
+ This Moscato variety is made exclusively from Muscat Blanc grapes, delivering an initially sweet and aromatic impression, followed by a surprising burst of crisp acidity from fresh fruit.
+ Two other notable wines in this category include Moscatel from Spain and Muskateller from Austria, both showcasing their own regional expressions of this beloved grape.
- Pink Moscato
+ This rosé-style Moscato is primarily made from Muscat grapes, often blended with Merlot to achieve its distinctive ruby-pink hue.
+ One of the most remarkable examples of this style is Brachetto D’Acqui from Piedmont, Italy. It boasts an intense color and flavor, skillfully balancing ripe, luscious fruit notes with the subtle complexity of oak aging.
- Red Moscato
+ Red Moscato is a rare variation of the Moscato family, made from Black Muscat grapes. It offers lively notes of raspberry, rose petals, and violet, accompanied by a delicate hint of black tea. This style is particularly popular in Italy and the United States, known for its rich aroma and smooth, fruit-forward profile.
- Moscato Dessert Wines
+ This is a sweeter and richer version of Moscato compared to Moscato d’Asti, commonly found in various regions around the world. Notable examples include Muscat de Rivesaltes and Muscat de Beaumes de Venise from France, Moscatel de Setúbal from Portugal, and Muscat of Samos from Greece. These wines often feature intensely concentrated fruit flavors, honeyed aromas, and a luscious, velvety texture.
With its diverse styles and vibrant flavor profile, Moscato remains the ultimate summer wine, delivering refreshing, tropical fruit notes in every sip.
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