What Is Moscato?
Moscato refers to wines made from the Muscat grape family. These grapes are ancient, fragrant, and grown worldwide. Moscato is best known for its signature aroma—orange blossom, peach, apricot, and honey—with a sweetness level that appeals even to the most casual wine drinker.
Italy, and specifically Piedmont, is the classic home for Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante (the region’s sparkling specialties). But today, Moscato is produced everywhere from Australia and South Africa to California.
Why Moscato? The Appeal of the Sweet Wine That Starts With M
Sweet but never heavy: Moscato’s sugars are balanced by fresh acidity, so it’s refreshing, not syrupy. Low alcohol: Usually around 57% ABV, far lower than typical table wines. Perfect for day events, brunch, or pacing during longer gatherings. Universal appeal: Works for wine newcomers and fans of bold reds alike—every fridge or picnic basket can justify a sweet wine that starts with m. Aromatic intensity: Fragrant enough to stand out in flights, cocktails, and even winebased recipes.
Types of Moscato
Moscato d’Asti
The Piedmont flagship: slightly sparkling, low alcohol, and bursting with wildflower and stone fruit notes. At about 5% ABV, it’s a goto for summer afternoons and celebratory toasts.
Asti Spumante
Fully sparkling and just a touch dryer than its “d’Asti” cousin, but still clearly a sweet wine that starts with m. Lively bubbles, often lighter in body, and a favorite in Italian and American brunch culture.
Moscato Rosa
A rare, pinkhued form—this sweet rosé combines red berry notes with the standard floral burst of Moscato.
Still Moscato
Produced in California, Australia, and elsewhere—often marketed for easy drinking and summer sipping. Lower in fizz, higher in fragrance.
Flavored and Infused Moscato
Winemakers sometimes blend Moscato with tropical fruits or ripe berries, capitalizing on the natural sweet base.
Tasting and Pairing
Pour chilled: Moscato loses luster when warm; a cold bottle makes the aromatics leap. Pairings: Fresh fruit, light cakes, tarts, soft cheeses, and classic brunch dishes like French toast. Spicy foods: Moscato is a famous pairing for Thai, Indian, or Sichuan cuisine, where residual sugar offsets intense heat.
The most memorable wine moments often feature this sweet wine that starts with m at the finish—alone or complementing dessert.
Production Method
Moscato’s playful fizz is achieved via partial fermentation (the fermentation is halted before all sugar converts to alcohol), or the Charmat method for sparkling styles. Many producers use modern, chilled tanks to lock in Moscato’s natural aromatics, protecting it from oxidation.
Calories and Nutrition
Lower alcohol and high sugar can be deceiving—most 5 oz (150 ml) servings have between 100 and 130 calories. Moscato is best enjoyed as a treat, though its lower ABV makes it a lighter choice than many dessert wines.
Moscato vs Other Sweet Wines
Comparing Moscato to other sweet wines:
Riesling: Can be drier, often higher in alcohol, and less floral. Sauternes/Tokaji: Sticky, richer, higher in alcohol; for dessert, not sipping. Lambrusco: Sometimes dry, sometimes sweet, and always more tannic.
Moscato’s sweet, loweralcohol, highly aromatic style positions it as the most fun, easydrinking sweet wine that starts with m.
Trends and Innovations
Moscato cocktails: Mixed with vodka, club soda, or fruit purées for brunch and parties. Moscato cans/picnic packs: Readytodrink formats are now common as the wine targets younger demographics. Celebrity Moscato: Iconic rappers and pop stars (notably Nicki Minaj, Drake) have pushed Moscato into pop culture, boosting global demand. Nonalcoholic Moscato: Mocktail versions preserve aromatics for those skipping the buzz.
Buying and Storing
Moscato is affordable—most bottles range from $10$18. Because aromatics fade fast, buy only as much as you’ll drink in a month or two. Store upright, away from light, and always chill before serving.
Final Thoughts
Moscato has earned its fame. It’s the sweet wine that starts with m—effortless, crowdpleasing, and always ready for another pour. Whether you’re pairing with brunch, spicy takeout, or a peach tart, Moscato offers a disciplined balance of sweetness and freshness. It’s a reminder that sophistication and simplicity can pour from the same bottle. Next time you need an easydrinking, aromatic, lowalcohol option—whether for the wine novice or lifelong enthusiast—remember moscato. It may not be complex, but it’s always right for the moment.