Mucat- The progenitor of grape varieties

Moscato is all the rage for wine drinkers, especially millenials, which is a category for those born after 1980. Young and old alike though, are purchasing this wine in vast quantities, and it has become one of the fastest growing categories for wine in the last few years.

Moscato is known for it's decadently sweet wines, that have flavors and aromas of orange blossom, apricots, and fresh picked peaches. The wine is considered a white wine, and has a golden colored hue.  It can be purchased as a still wine, slightly effervescent, or as fully sparkling spumante styles. Dry or sweet wines are produced however, and the Muscat grape is rarely subtle in its characteristics, regardless of how it is vinified. It is the one grape variety that actually tastes like grapes, and is grown for table grapes as well as wine production.

Moscato is not something new, it is known to be the first grape variety that is the progenitor to all other grape varieties. There are three types of Muscat that are grown to produce wine. The first is Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains, this is the oldest grape variety that we have, and is the star of Muscat. This type produces the most refined wines with intense flavors, showing more depth and complexity. Muscat of Alexandria is less refined, and also grown for table grapes in California. The wines can be intense but lack the complexity of Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains. Lastly, is Mucat Ottonel, it has less powerful aromas and lacks intensity.

Most wines that you find on grocery store shelfs labeled Moscato, are more than likely made from Muscat Alexandria grapes. Generally the grapes are grown in the Central Coast AVA in California. They are produced sweet, but will lack the intensity of a true Moscato d'Asti. This is a region in Piedmont, Italy that has been producing the most aromatic, deliciously sweet moscato wines, that show the complexity of Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains. Asti is also the area in Italy where Asti Spumante is produced. Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante has had its heyday, and millions of bottles have been enjoyed around the world. Most people still do not realize that this is made from their beloved Moscato. Producers of these wines are starting to label them as Asti Spumante Moscato to catch some of the action.

There are also other wines produced from this grape in even sweeter dessert styles, such as Vin Doux Naturels in France. These are made by adding pure grape spirit to the fermenting grape juice, arresting fermentation and leaving a residue of natural sugar in the wines. Usually these are sold in smaller bottles and are intoxicatingly complex, and deliciously sweet. These are also made from Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains grapes. Rutherglen Muscats from Australia have also gained recognition for their version of sticky sweet Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains.

These fragrant  Moscato wines range from delicate to syrupy. Delicate, grapy styles match up with spicy Thai or Indian food, and are delightful to enjoy on their own. Sweeter styles go with a wide range of desserts incorporating fruit.

So when you are at the store wondering what to buy, price is relevant. The lower priced bottles labeled Moscato will not be as intensely flavored as Moscato d' Asti. So if you want to get a true sense of the grape try something from the Asti region, one of the original homes of this glorious grape.

Enjoy your Moscato- there is much to love!