Cheap pink moscato

Moscato wine evokes strong opinions among oenophiles&#x;they adore its sweet fruit aroma or can&#x;t stand it one bit. Whether sipped as an aperitif or dessert wine, mixed into cocktails for fizz, poached with fruit, or paired with fiery cuisine, Moscato is much more versatile and complex than most would realize. Moscato grapes, or muscat, are grown up and down Italy, making for a wide diversity of flavors and styles. From bubbly to still to fortified, Moscato makes a provocative addition to any wine lover&#x;s repertoire. Our guide dishes out everything you need to know about this delicately fruity and floral wine.

Related Link: How to Drink Sweet Wine Like a Pro

Moscato is a sweet, medium to low-acidity wine produced in Italy from Muscat grapes. The Muscat grape is grown all over the world&#x;from Australia to France to South America&#x;and is believed to be one of the oldest grapes in history. The exact origin is unknown, but some trace it back to ancient Egypt.

While there are over known varieties of Muscat grapes, the most common are Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat of Alexandria. Muscat grapes come in a multitude of shades including white, golden, red, pink, brown, and black. Golden-yellow Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains are well-suited for wines, while less-refined Muscat of Alexandria are typically grown for table grapes and raisins. In Italy, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (also called Moscato Bianco) is the most commonly grown grape for Moscato wine, followed by Muscat of Alexandria (also called Zibbibo grapes).

A quick note on Muscat nomenclature&#x;the Italian word for Muscat is Moscato, and it&#x;s important to note that different countries have different names for the Muscats they produce. In Spain you&#x;ll find Moscatel, while in Germany, you&#x;ll see Muskateller. Technically, wines labeled as Moscato should be from Italy, but this is not always the case. Big wine brands from California and Australia also produce a variety of lightly-fizzy, sweet wines labeled as Moscato&#x;while these wines are not produced in Italy, they are made in the Moscato style.

Moscato wine can be still or sparkling, or fortified. Lightly-bubbled Moscato d&#x;Asti is the most common, and what many of us envision when we hear the word Moscato. If you&#x;re familiar with tart, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño, then Moscato is the exact opposite&#x;sweet, perfumed, and bursting with fruit. Muscat grapes have high residual sugar but low acid, both of which contribute to Moscato&#x;s signature sweet taste. Sip a glass and you&#x;ll pick up on several key characteristics, including a fragrant aroma, and fruit such as peach, apricot, and orange citrus, and delicate floral notes such rose petal and elderflower.

Muscat grapes thrive in Italy&#x;s warm, Mediterranean climate. You&#x;ll find them up and down the Boot from Piedmont and Trentino Alto-Adige to the southern islands of Sicily and Pantelleria. Each region produces a unique Moscato wine with different characteristics.

With a huge variety of Muscat grapes comes a diverse offering of Moscato wines. Many of these Moscato varieties are more difficult to find in the United States, but they&#x;re reason enough to plan your next trip to Italy.

Moscato d&#x;Asti: A lightly-sparkling, golden-colored wine produced in the northwestern Piedmont region, Moscato d&#x;Asti comes from Muscat à Petits Grains and is the most recognizable variety. A low alcohol content (% ABV), lightly-sweet flavor, and soft, gentle bubbles (frizzante in Italian) make Moscato d&#x;Asti a popular aperitif or dessert wine pairing.

Related Link:Moscato d&#x;Asti: Wine of a Thousand Uses

Asti: Frizzante is to Moscato d&#x;Asti as spumante, or fully-sparkling, is to Asti wine. Both wines are produced in the same Piedmont region from the same grape, but they are distinctively different. Asti wine is typically sweeter in taste and has a higher alcohol content.

Moscato Rosa: Hailing from Italy&#x;s northeastern Trentino Alto-Adige region, this sweet, still wine is made from red-purple-skinned Muscat grapes that are very similar to Muscat à Petits Grains. A vibrant, ruby red color and a spiced, berry flavor are the most distinguishing characteristics.

Moscato Giallo: This golden-colored, still wine is produced in the Trentino Alto-Adige region. Defined by floral and spicy aromas such as cinnamon, grapefruit, and orange-blossom, Moscato Giallo grapes are grown in cooler climates, making these wines drier than other Moscatos.

Moscato di Pantelleria: Produced in Pantelleria, a small island between Sicily and Tunisia, this still, amber-colored wine comes from Muscat of Alexandria grapes (also known as Zibbibo grapes) and is reminiscent of apricot. Another variety, Passito de Pantelleria, is an intensely sweet dessert wine made from dried Muscat grapes.

Moscato Canelli: Another word for Muscat à Petits Grains grapes, often seen on wines made in the Moscato style from California or Washington State. These may be still or sparkling in the Moscato d&#x;Asti style.

A note on Moscato in the United States: While previously underappreciated, Moscato sales in the U.S. have skyrocketed since the early s. Nielson data from showed a % increase in sales for sparkling Moscato, while Market Watch reported that the wine was so popular, big brands such as Barefoot, Woodbridge, Sutter Home, and Beringer couldn&#x;t make enough to meet demand. Touted as a cheap, easy-drinking, all-day sipper, many have compared the sudden spike of Moscato to the White Zinfandel craze of the s.

Many of the Moscatos produced in the United States come from the aforementioned big brands, as well as Yellowtail, an Australian brand. Most are inexpensive, often as little as $7 per bottle. The majority of these wines are lightly sparkling in the style of Moscato d&#x;Asti, but the labeling can be a bit confusing. Here&#x;s how to decipher wines you find online, at grocery stores or wine shops.

White Moscato: This is either still or lightly-sparkling wine made with Muscat à Petit Grains grapes. Expect a floral aroma with bold fruit flavors.

Pink Moscato: In most cases, this is White Moscato with a splash of red wine. Most likely still or lightly-sparkling, this is a popular style made by big brand producers in the United States and Australia.

Red Moscato: Similar to Pink Moscato, this wine is usually a blend of White Moscato and other reds such as Syrah and Zinfandel.

Sparkling Moscato: Expect this wine to be more intensely bubbled, closer to Asti wine than Moscato d&#x;Asti.

Moscato, excluding fortified ones, is best enjoyed chilled. While the actual serving temperature depends on the style, chilling Moscato softens its sweetness so all of its fruit and floral flavors can shine. Don&#x;t fret if the wine is too cold when you&#x;re ready to serve it&#x;it&#x;s always preferable to have Moscato that is too cold, instead of too warm. Our temperatures are guidelines, so make sure you taste the wine before you serve it&#x;just to make sure it&#x;s right.

Sparkling&#x;around 40°F

Colder temperatures for wines such as Moscato d&#x;Asti and Asti help keep their bubbles light and crisp.

Still White/Pink&#x;around 45°F

Chill any still white or pink-hued Moscato to a similar temperature as light-bodied whites such as Riesling and Pinot Grigio.

Still Reds&#x;around 50°F

This is a safe bet for most fruity, light-bodied red wines. Moscato Rosa and other red-grape Moscatos should be slightly chilled to bring out their complexity.

Fortified&#x;60° to 70° F

Fortified wines such as Port and certain Moscatos are best enjoyed closer to room temperature to maximize their sweet, concentrated flavor.

Related Link:How Long it Really Takes to Chill a Bottle of Wine

The secret to pairing any wine with food is balance. Moscato is sweet, so ideally you should pair it with foods possessing opposite flavor profiles&#x;spicy, sour, salty, bitter. While its sweet fruity essence can make it difficult to pair with a main course, Moscato is perfect with appetizers, sweet brunch dishes, dessert, and alone as an aperitif.

Related Link:7 Rules for Perfect Pairing

Spicy food: Moscato&#x;s sweetness and low alcohol content (wines with higher alcohol content tend to amplify spiciness!) quell the flames from fiery fare all over the world. Pair Moscato with Thai larb, Indian vindaloo curries, habanero-spiked chicken wings, or anything with mouth-tingling Sichuan peppercorns.

Cured meats: Prosciutto, Salami, Jamón Ibérico&#x;you name it. The high salt content balances the sweetness of Moscato.

Nuts and seeds: Again, it&#x;s that salty-sweet factor. Peanuts, almonds, or pepitas compliment a glass of still Moscato.

Crudites: A platter with crunchy veggies such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, and radishes would complement the gentle bubbles of Moscato d&#x;Asti.

Exotic spices: Aromatic spices such as turmeric, saffron, ginger, cardamom, and others are often found in the spicy dishes that sweet Moscato goes with so well.

Soft or Pungent Cheeses: Soft, creamy Brie and Camembert stand up to Moscato&#x;s bright fruit profile without overpowering it. On the other hand, strong blue cheese needs a wine like Moscato to balance its saltiness. Moscato d&#x;Asti or Passito di Pantelleria pair well. Make sure to let your cheese come to room temperature in order to maximize its flavor profile.

Sweet Breakfasts: Think pancakes or waffles topped with fruit compote or a dollop of whipped cream. A fruit-forward Moscato makes these flavors come alive.

Fruit Desserts: From pies to cobblers to semifreddo, any dessert with fruit or berry components matches the natural fruitiness of Moscato wine.

Vanilla desserts: Sweet peach Moscato flavors harmonize with the creaminess of a crème brûlée, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even rice pudding.

Cake: We love this pairing. Moscato d&#x;Asti works wonders with vanilla cake, while Moscato Rosa (or Red Moscato if that&#x;s easier to find) coaxes complexity out of chocolate cake.

See More: Moscato d&#x;Asti Pairings

Put your Moscato know-how to the test with our top picks. You won&#x;t have to hop across the Atlantic for these wines&#x;we&#x;ve chosen a variety from sparkling to fortified that you should be able to find online or at your local wine store. Many vineyards will ship directly to your home if your state allows it.

• G.D. Vajra Moscato d'Asti
• Producer: G.D. Vajra
• Where: Piedmont, Italy
• Tasting notes: Lightly-sparkling with a balance of peach, apricot, pear, and sage. Best enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine.
• ABV: %
• Average price: $18

• Saracco Moscato d'Asti
• Producer: Saracco
• Where: Piedmont, Italy
• Tasting notes: Pear and apricot flavors are well-balanced by crisp citrus and ginger. A complex, refreshing wine that pairs well with fruit or vanilla desserts.
• ABV: %
• Average price: $$15

• Charles Smith Vino Moscato
• Producer: Charles Smith Wines
• Where: Washington State, United States
• Tasting notes: Gentle bubbles, aromatics include elderberry blossom, apricot and orange blossom flavors. A nice match for spicy cuisine. An easy-to-find Moscato in the Moscato d&#x;Asti style.
• ABV: %
• Average price: $$12

• Maryhill Moscato Di Canelli
• Producer: Maryhill
• Where: Columbia Valley, Washington State
• Tasting notes: Golden colored dessert wine from Muscat Canelli grapes. Crisp apple lends a touch of acidity to pear and peach flavors.
• ABV: %
• Average price: $$15

• Donnafugata Ben Ryé (Passito di Pantelleria)
• Producer: Donnafugata
• Where: Pantelleria, Italy
• Tasting notes: Bold, amber-colored fortified dessert wine made from dried Zibbibo grapes. Intense apricot and honey aromas, fig and cinnamon flavors.
• ABV: %
• Average price: $$40 (a splurge, but worth the money)

• Bibi Graetz Casamatta Bianco
• Producer: Bibi Graetz
• Where: Tuscany, Italy
• Tasting notes: One of our top Italian whites for summer, this wine shows how Muscat grapes can work wonders when blended with other grapes. Here, a combination of Muscat, Vermentino, and Trebbiano grapes makes for a tangy, ultra-crisp wine that's balanced by a touch of sweet fruit.
• ABV: 12%
• Average price: $15

Cooking with Moscato is another way to showcase its versatility. Perfect as a cocktail mix-in or as a poaching liquid, Moscato especially complements stone fruits such as peaches and plums. Try it in dessert recipes that call for sweet wine&#x;just make sure to pour a glass to sip while you cook.

Michelle&#x;s Drink: Sweet Moscato d&#x;Asti balances bitter grapefruit and Campari, while also adding fizz to this elegant shaken cocktail.

Melon Sparkler with Tapioca Pearls: Honeydew&#x;s mellowed sweetness is elevated by the addition of Moscato d&#x;Asti in this refreshing spritzer. A topper of chewy tapioca balls makes for a stunning, and edible, garnish.

Muscat Poached Peaches with Lemon Verbena: Simmering fruit, such as peaches, in Moscato elevates their flavors and makes for a simple, summertime dessert. We suggest serving the poached peaches in a splash of the wine, but an accompanying scoop of vanilla ice cream would round out the flavors nicely.

Hazelnut Tea Cake with Moscato Pears: This recipe showcases Moscato in two different ways. First, as a poaching liquid for pears, which are later browned in butter and layered over top the cake. Second, we infuse reduced Moscato poaching liquid with whipped cream for a luscious cake topper.

Plum-and-Honey Sabayon Gratins: A Sabayon is a baked custard dessert traditionally made with egg yolks, sugar, and a sweet wine. Our spin incorporates honey and Moscato with broiled plums, an impeccably balanced combination.

Best Overall: G.D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti

Region: Piedmont, Italy | ABV: % | Tasting Notes: Lychee, Pear, Floral

In its most popular form, moscato d’Asti hails from Italy’s Piedmont region. The wine is generally off-dry to sweet and ranges in effervescence levels from frizzante to spumante. G.D. Vajra is one of the region’s most respectable producers and is best known for their responsible farming practices, longstanding history, and well-crafted bottles. Notes of juicy pears, lychee, honeysuckle, and rose petals jump from the wine’s frothy and fruit-driven palate.

Best for Brunch: Risata Moscato D'Asti

Region: Piedmont, Italy ABV: % | Tasting Notes: Stone fruit, Lemon rind, Honey

When picking a wine for a boozy brunch that promises not to kill the rest of your day, seeking out something with a low-ABV is key—enter moscato d’Asti.

This popular expression from Risata wines is lightly effervescent and marked by succulent notes of stone fruit, honey, and fresh-cut flowers. Sip chilled on its own or alongside sweet brunch dishes like crepes, fruit pancakes or gooey French toast. 

Read Next:The Best Sweet Wines

Best Budget: Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d’Asti

Region: Piedmont, Italy | ABV: 5% | Tasting Notes: Honey, Canned Peach, Ginger

This classic moscato d’Asti from Vietti is produced from organically-farmed fruit and is made at the hands of one of Piedmont’s biggest names. Expect thirst-quenching notes of honey, canned peaches, white flower petals, and ginger on the palate. Sip with light salads, fruit parfaits or Italian-inspired cheese boards.

“When I look for good moscato, I'm not looking for a particular style or sweetness level,” says Erin Scala, founder of In Vino Veritas in Keswick, Va. “To me, a good moscato will typically come from someone approaching the grape with care and reverence, someone who appreciates this special grape's contributions to the history of wine. Through that lens, the wine can be exhilarating and decadent.”

Best Sparkling: Sant’Orsola Moscato d’Asti

Region: Piedmont, Italy | ABV: % | Tasting Notes: White Blossoms, Honey Suckle

Why choose between frizzante and spumante when you can have both? In Italian sparkling wine production, frizzante bottles boast a frothy, fizzier mouthfeel, whereas spumante wines present a more powerful mousse on the palate. With Sant’Orsola, you get the best of both worlds. Their standard moscato is loaded with flavors of citrus rind and stone fruit, whereas the spumante shows more floral-driven flavors of white blossoms, honeysuckle and flower petals. Do yourself a favor and grab one of each and do a side by side comparison—you won’t regret it.  

Read Next: The Best Cheap Wines

Best for Dessert: La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato d’Asti

Region: Piedmont, Italy | ABV: 5% | Tasting Notes: Honey, Peach, Green Apples

This creamy, softly sweet moscato from La Spinetta is perfect for sipping alongside a variety of desserts. Juicy notes of honey, peach skin, and green apple come alive when served with a variety of tartlets, fruit pies or parfaits. Looking for the sweetest way to end a long meal? This bottle’s just the ticket.

“When I get the feeling that people are unappreciative of moscato (which is quite often), I try to tell them about the (historical expressions) that helped save a post-phylloxera Crete, as well as the (wines) that were once a jewel of the Mediterranean,” says Scala. Simply put, drinking this grape is like drinking history. 

Best Pink Moscato: Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato

Region: Yarra Valley, Australia | ABV: % Tasting Notes: Sherbet, Rhubarb, Citrus

Searching for a unique bottle from the Land Down Under? This one-of-a-kind bottle has your back. Hailing from Australia’s southerly Victoria region, this pale pink moscato oozes with flavors of fruit sherbet, rhubarb, citrus rind and candied apples. Sip with baked brie, walnut and goat cheese salads, or fresh fruit bowls sprinkled with sugar. 

Best Organic: Elio Perrone ‘Sourgal’ Moscato d’Asti

Region: Piedmont, Italy | ABV: 5% | Tasting Notes: Fresh apricots, Pear skin, Mirabelle

Perrone’s frothy, fruit-forward moscato shows flavors of juicy apricots, pear skin and mirabelle. The fact that it is produced from organic fruit makes it all the better! Sip chilled before dinner, during weekend brunches, or at the end of a long day for a delicious touch of sweetness. We particularly love it with stir fry or slightly spicy Asian takeout favorites. You really can’t go wrong here. 

Best Muscat-Based: Domaine Cazes Muscat de Rivesaltes

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