Moscato

Moscato (also known as Muscat) is a variety of grape that is used in the production of a wide range of wines, including still, sparkling, and dessert wines. It is one of the oldest known grape varieties, with a history dating back thousands of years.

History

The Moscato grape is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, possibly in Greece. It was spread throughout the region by the Romans, who appreciated its sweet flavor and high productivity. Today, it is grown in many wine-producing regions around the world, including Italy, France, Spain, Australia, and the United States.

Characteristics

Moscato grapes are known for their sweet, fruity flavor, which often includes notes of peach, apricot, and orange blossom. They are also highly aromatic, with a distinctive floral aroma. The grapes can be white, yellow, pink, or even black, depending on the specific variety.

Wine Styles

Moscato is used to produce a wide range of wine styles. These include:

• Moscato d'Asti: A lightly sparkling wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is typically low in alcohol and has a sweet, fruity flavor.
• Asti Spumante: A fully sparkling wine, also from Piedmont. It is usually sweeter and higher in alcohol than Moscato d'Asti.
• Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise: A sweet dessert wine from the Rhône Valley in France. It is made by fortifying the wine with grape spirit to stop fermentation and preserve the grape's natural sugars.
• Muscat of Alexandria: A variety of Moscato that is often used to produce sweet, fortified wines in Spain and Portugal.

Food Pairing

Moscato wines are often served as an aperitif or with dessert. They pair well with a variety of foods, including fruit, cheese, pastry, and spicy food. The wine's sweetness can balance the heat of spicy dishes, while its acidity can cut through the richness of creamy desserts.

See Also

• Wine
• Grape
• Viticulture
• Wine tasting