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Muscat can also be found in many different hues, from white to gold to pink to brown to black, and, while it is mostly made into white wine, there is also a red moscato, too. In fact there are literally hundreds of varieties of muscat grapes, each with their own distinct qualities, the most widespread being muscat blanc à petits grains (called moscato bianco in Italy) and muscat of Alexandria (also known as zibibbo in Italy). So what is moscato? The term “moscato” is simply the Italian word for the widely planted and ancient grape variety, muscat, also known as moscatel in Spain and muskateller in Germany and Austria. From dry to sweet, sparkling to still, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this popular wine. However, many people don’t realize that ‘moscato wine’ can be a little misleading, as this generic term can actually mean a lot of different things. Medium to firm cheeses will pair excellently.We have probably all had a bottle of the famous sweet Italian sparkler Moscato d’Asti or Asti Spumante (hello, Martini & Rossi mimosas) at some point in our adult lives. That said, a sparkling Moscato would match with BBQ Pork just as well as an ice cold Coke.Ĭhicken, Turkey, Duck, Light Flaky Fish, Pork Tenderloin, Shrimp, Crab, Lobster, Halibut, Cod, BBQ PorkĬinnamon, Ginger, Galangal, Basil, Lime, Mint, Cardamom, Chili Peppers, Cayenne Pepper, Clove, Shallots, BBQ Sauce, Teriyaki, Sweet and Sour, Orange, Marjoram, Cashew, Peanut, Fennel, Cilantro For proteins, try lighter meats like chicken and light flaky fish.
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Moscato loves aromatic spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and chile peppers. It handles spicy foods with grace since alcohol levels tend to be low and sweetness tends to be high. If I had to choose just one wine for pairing with sichuan, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, it’d be Moscato. Some of these calories are carbs from the grape sugars.ĭim sum is an awesome pairing with Moscato d’Asti. There are many to try: French Muscat de Rivesaltes and Muscat de Beaumes de Venise In southern Spain, there is a special Moscatel Sherry with rich with caramel flavors in southern Portugal, Moscatel de Setúbal is made with the rare Moscatel Roxo grapes In Greece, Muscat of Samos comes in a variety of sweet styles in Sicily, Muscat grapes are often partially dried to concentrate the sweetness in Australia, Rutherglen Muscat is one of the sweetest styles in the world – so sweet, you could pour it over ice cream!Ĭalories in Moscato Moscato d’Asti ranges from 110-170 calories per 6 oz serving. The United States has several good producers of Black Muscat worth checking out.Įven sweeter than Moscato d’Asti are the dessert wines. The grape is a cross made from a rare Italian red grape called Schiava (wowsa) and Muscat of Alexandria. Imagine raspberry, rose petals and violets, with subtle roasted notes of assam black tea. It’s rare, but there’s a grape variety called Black Muscat. If you love pink Moscato, you should definitely check out Brachetto d’Acqui. Imagine the classic Moscato flavors with a touch of strawberry. Pink Moscato is more of a marketing schtick than it is a classic Moscato wine style – even though it can be tasty! This wine is made with mostly Muscat grapes and usually dollup of Merlot to give it a ruby-pink color. They’re awesome, especially if you’re counting carbs. Wines are often dry to taste, but since the aromatics are so sweet and fruity your brain tricks you into thinking they’re sweet. Two wines worth checking out include Moscatel from Spain and Muskateller from Austria. Still (as in not sparkling) versions of Moscato are made with Muscat Blanc grapes but also other Muscat varieties, like Muscat of Alexandria. This might just be the perfect pool party wine. The best wines are highly aromatic and sweet, but perfectly balanced with zippy acidity, bubbles, and a clean, minerally finish. Both of the Italian versions have Italy’s highest DOCG classification, which means they have a protected guarantee of origin much like Parmigiano-Reggiano. The Italian wines of Moscato d’Asti (semi-sparkling) and Asti Spumante (sparkling) are the classic examples, but you’ll discover wines labeled “Moscato” are typically made in this style. Here are the most well-known Moscato styles: For example, there are Muscat-based wines in France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Israel and even Australia.
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Muscat grapes are quite old (thousands of years!) and thus, you can find it growing throughout the world. Moscato d’Asti tastes light-bodied and sweet, with tropical fruit flavors, light bubbles (the Italians call this frizzante – “frizz-ont-tay”), and low alcohol at around 5.5% ABV (btw, regular wine has about 13% ABV). Quickly identify flavors in wine using the printed version of the aroma chart.