Moscato Food and Wine Pairings
Moscato is a grape that is frequently misunderstood, and it is typically dismissed as being either too sweet or too fruity. A good Moscato may be rather memorable if it is produced by a skilled winemaker. In this case, we’ll look at Moscato d’Asti, a wine produced in the Piedmont area of Italy, which is the spiritual home of this vivacious wine that is brimming with tastes of orange blossom and honeysuckle, as well as flavors of peaches, and pear. It makes sense to match this sweet Moscato with dishes that either enhance or contrast the sweetness of the wine, which is due to its low alcohol content.
Something Sweet
Moscato with your favorite sweet delicacy go together like peanut butter and jelly. When matching sweet wines with dessert, it’s crucial to consider the sweetness of the dish itself as well as the wine. The fruit notes of the wine are perfectly complimented by desserts such as poached pears, apple pie, and pineapple upside-down cake. Make certain that the wine is sweeter than the dessert so that the wine does not overshadow the dessert. For those who frequent brunches and are bored of mimosas, try a glass of Moscato with blueberry pancakes and syrup instead of your usual mimosa.
Something Spicy
Put a damper on the blaze with something delicious. Wines that include a small amount of residual sugar are ideal for soothing your thirst after a spicy meal. Because of its sweetness and low alcohol concentration, Moscato is an excellent wine to combine with food. It is possible to use Moscato to cool down the heat from hot Indian curries, Szechuanese meals, and other cuisines that make use of chilis. Make a flavorful Thai curry, dan dan noodles, or a fragrant saag paneer dish to impress your guests.
Something Salty
Sweet and salty taste combinations are among my favorite food pairings. I can’t seem to get enough of anything, whether it’s chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn, chocolate candy, or maple bacon. When you drink Moscato with salty foods, the fruit and flowery tastes in the wine will be enhanced even more. A high salt level in the food is ideal for counteracting the sweetness of the wine’s sweetness. Make a charcuterie board with salty appetizers such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and salted, roasted almonds to serve with your meal.
What is your favorite Moscato-food pairing, and how did you discover it?
Please share this article on your preferred social media site to express your support for this underappreciated wine.
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Moscato 101: Everything You Need to Know about Moscato Wine
Moscato wine elicits extreme reactions from oenophiles, who either enjoy its sweet fruit fragrance or despise it to the point of being nauseating. Moscato is considerably more flexible and sophisticated than most people know. Whether served as an aperitif or dessert wine, incorporated into cocktails for fizz, poached with fruit, or coupled with spicy food, Moscato may be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Moscato grapes, also known as muscat, are produced all across Italy, resulting in a vast range of flavors and styles to choose from.
Our comprehensive guide will teach you all you need to know about this delightfully fruity and flowery wine and its pairings. vineyard-autumn-blog0617.jpg
What is Moscato wine?
Moscato is a sweet, medium-to-low-acid wine made in Italy from Muscat grapes that is served chilled. The Muscat grape is planted all over the world, from Australia to France to South America, and it is thought to be one of the oldest grape varieties in existence. It is also one of the most popular table grapes. Although the actual origin is uncertain, some believe it to have originated in ancient Egypt. While there are over 200 recognized types of Muscat grapes, the most prevalent are Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat of Alexandria, both of which are grown in the Mediterranean region.
- They are also available in a variety of sizes.
- Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (also known as Moscato Bianco) is the most widely planted grape variety in Italy for the production of Moscato wine, followed by Muscat of Alexandria (also called Zibbibo grapes).
- “Moscatel” is a kind of wine produced in Spain, whereas “Muskateller” is produced in Germany.
- A range of lightly-fizzy, sweet wines marketed as Moscato are also produced by large wine companies in California and Australia; while these wines are not produced in Italy, they are created in the Moscato style.
What are Moscato’s characteristics?
Moscato wine is available in several varieties, including still, sparkling, and fortified. This lightly bubbled Moscato d’Asti is the most prevalent and is what most of us think of when we hear the name “Moscato.” It is also the most expensive. If you’re used to drinking sour, dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Albario, Moscato is the polar opposite: it’s sweet, fragrant, and overflowing with fruit, whereas Sauvignon Blanc and Albario are both tart and dry. Despite the fact that Muscat grapes have a high residual sugar content, they have a low acid content, both of which contribute to Moscato’s trademark sweet taste.
Where is Moscato produced in Italy?
Muscat grapes flourish in Italy’s warm, Mediterranean environment, which is ideal for growing them. The islands of Sicily and Pantelleria are located in the southern Mediterranean, stretching from Piedmont and Trentino Alto-Adige to the southernmost tip of the boot.
Each location creates a distinct Moscato wine with its own set of distinctive qualities. map-italy-blog0617.jpg Photograph courtesy of OmerSukruGoksu / Getty Images
What are the different types of Moscato wine?
Moscato wines are produced from a wide variety of Muscat grapes, which results in a unique range of flavors. The fact that many of these Moscato types are more difficult to locate in the United States is incentive enough to plan a trip to Italy for your next wine tasting adventure. This lightly-sparkling, golden-colored wine is produced in the northern Piedmont area and is made from the Muscat à Petits Grains varietal, which is by far the most well-known and widely available in the United States.
- Asti:Frizzante is to Moscato d’Asti what spumante, or fully-sparkling, is to Asti wine.
- Both wines are made in the same Piedmont region from the same grape variety, yet they are vastly different in flavor and aroma profile.
- Moscato Rosa: Originating in Italy’s northern Trentino Alto-Adige area, this sweet, still wine is created from Muscat grapes with red-purple skins that are quite similar to Muscat à Petits Grains in flavor and appearance.
- Moscato Giallo: Produced in the Trentino Alto-Adige area, this still wine has a golden tint and is made from grapes that are grown in the region.
- Because they are produced in colder areas, these wines are drier than other Moscatos.
- It has a fruity flavor that is evocative of apricot.
- Moscato Canelli: Another name for Muscat à Petits Grains grapes, which are commonly found in Moscato-style wines from California and Washington State.
The following is a brief note on Moscato in the United States: Moscato sales in the United States have risen since the early 2010s, despite the fact that it was previously unappreciated.
As a low-cost, easy-to-drink, all-day sipper, Moscato has been compared to the 1980s White Zinfandel craze in terms of its quick rise in popularity.
The majority are affordable, with several bottles costing as low as $7 per bottle.
Here’s how to tell the difference between wines you buy online, at the grocery store, or in a wine shop.
Expect a flowery scent as well as rich fruit tastes in this blend.
This is a popular type produced by major brand manufacturers in the United States and Australia, and it is most often still or gently sparkling.
Moscato Rosso: This wine, which is similar to Pink Moscato, is typically a combination of White Moscato and other red grapes such as Syrah and Zinfandel. Sparkling Moscato: This wine will be more powerfully bubbled than Moscato d’Asti, and it will be more similar to Asti wine than Moscato d’Asti.
How to serve Moscato wine?
Moscato, with the exception of fortified varieties, is best drunk cold. While the precise serving temperature varies according on the type, freezing Moscato reduces its sweetness, allowing all of its fruit and floral notes to show through. Never be concerned if the wine is too cold when you are ready to offer it; it is always preferable to have Moscato that is too cold rather than one that is too warm while serving it. Because our temps are only suggestions, we recommend that you sample the wine before serving it to ensure that it is at the proper temperature.
Still white/pink—approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Still in the reds, with temperatures about 50°F.
If you want to bring out the richness of Moscato Rosa and other red-grape Moscatos, you should serve them slightly cold.
What are the best foods to pair with Moscato?
The key to successfully matching any wine with food is to strike a balance. Moscato is a sweet wine, thus it should be paired with meals that have opposing taste characteristics, such as spicy, sour, salty, bitter, or bittersweet. While Moscato’s sweet fruity aroma might make it difficult to match with a main course, it is excellent with appetizers, sweet brunch foods, dessert, and even on its own as an aperitif in the summer. A variety of moscato wines combine well with vegetables such as carrots and celery.
- ), Moscato’s low alcohol content helps to quench the fires of spicy cuisine all over the world.
- Cured meats include prosciutto, salami, and jamón Ibérico, to mention a few.
- Nuts and seeds: Once again, it’s about the salty-sweet balance.
- The mild bubbles of Moscato d’Asti would be well complemented by a variety of crisp vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, and radishes, which would be perfect for a picnic.
- Whether it’s soft or pungent Cheeses: Brie and Camembert are both soft and creamy, and they hold up to the vibrant fruit flavor of the Moscato without being overbearing.
- The Moscato d’Asti or the Passito di Pantelleria are excellent pairings.
- Blue cheese and moscato wine are excellent companions.
- Photograph courtesy of Arielle Cifuentes For a sweet breakfast, consider pancakes or waffles topped with fruit compote or a dab of whipped cream.
- Desserts made with fruit: Whether it’s pies, cobblers, or semifreddo, any dessert that has fruit or berry components will pair well with the inherent fruitiness of Moscato.
- When combined with the richness of a crème brûlée, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even rice pudding, the tastes of Moscato are heavenly.
If you’re making vanilla cake, Moscato d’Asti will work well, and if you’re making chocolate cake, Moscato Rosa (or Red Moscato, if that’s easier to locate) will bring out the complexity. The sweetness of sweet meals mixes beautifully with moscato. Photograph courtesy of Arielle Cifuentes
Best Moscato Wines
With our greatest options, you can put your Moscato knowledge to the test. It is not necessary to go across the Atlantic to obtain these wines; we have selected a range of styles, from sparkling to fortified, that you should be able to acquire online or at your local wine store. As long as your state allows it, many wineries will ship directly to your doorstep.
- G.D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti 2016
- Producer:G.D. Vajra
- Location:Piedmont, Italy
- Description: Notes on the taste: Lightly sparkling with a delicate blend of peach, apricot, pear, and sage flavors. The best way to appreciate this wine is as an aperitif or dessert wine. ABV: 5.5 percent
- Average price: $18
- ABV: 5.5 percent
- Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2016
- Producer:Saracco
- Location:Piedmont, Italy
- Description: Notes on taste: The tastes of pears and apricots are well-balanced by the freshness of citrus and ginger. Wine that is rich and refreshing, and that goes well with fruit or vanilla-flavored sweets. ABV:5.5 percent
- Average price:$13-$15
- ABV:5.5 percent
- Washington State, United States
- Producer: Charles Smith Wines
- Location: Washington State, United States
- 2015 Charles Smith Vino Moscato
- Overtones on the taste: There are gentle bubbles, and the aromatics include elderberry flower, apricot, and orange blossom notes. This wine is a good match for spicy meals. This is a simple Moscato in the Moscato d’Asti style that is easy to buy
- ABV: 8.5 percent
- Average price: $10-$12
- Maryhill Moscato Di Canelli 2014
- Producer: Maryhill
- Location: Columbia Valley, Washington State
- Description: A golden-colored dessert wine made from Muscat Canelli grapes, with a sweet and lingering finish. Fruity pear and peach aromas are boosted by a burst of acidity from a crisp apple. Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12.5%
- The average cost is $12-$15.
- Donnafugata 2014 Ben Ryé (Passito di Pantelleria)
- Donnafugata 2014
- Pantelleria, Italy
- Producer: Donnafugata
- Notes about the taste: A bold, amber-colored fortified dessert wine created from dried Zibbibo grapes, this wine is full of flavor. Aromas of apricot and honey, as well as tastes of fig and cinnamon
- ABV:14.5 percent
- Average price:$38-$40 (a splurge, but well worth the money)
- ABV:14.5 percent
- 2014 Bibi Graetz Casamatta Bianco
- Producer:Bibi Graetz
- Location:Tuscany, Italy
- Bibi Graetz Casamatta Bianco Notes on the taste: This wine, which is one of our favorite Italian whites for the summer, demonstrates how Muscat grapes can perform marvels when mixed with other grapes. A blend of Muscat, Vermentino, and Trebbiano grapes is used to create this acidic, ultra-crisp wine, which is complemented with a hint of sweet fruit. Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12 percent
- The average cost is $15.
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Best Moscato Recipes
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Moscato Food Pairings
Its sweet, fruity, and occasionally flowery scent and flavor distinguish Moscato wine from other types of wine. In fact, many Moscato wines are somewhat effervescent, and Moscato d’Asti is one of the most well-known of these. If you believe that Moscato should only be consumed as a dessert wine, you are mistaken. Because of its sweetness and lower alcohol content, Moscato wine is one of the most flexible varieties of wine available. Learn which dishes match best with Moscato wine, from your cocktail hour appetizers to your decadent dessert, in the sections below.
- The sharpness of raw vegetables pairs well with the crisp finish of Moscato wine, and vegetables such as carrots, celery, red and yellow bell peppers, and green onion are all vegetables that pair particularly well with Moscato wine, as is the case with most white wines.
- A simple bruschetta dish is also a crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs nicely with Moscato wine and is easy to prepare.
- Moscato wine pairs beautifully with spicy dishes such as curry, whether Thai or Indian, spicy spaghetti arrabiata, and hot delicacies from Szechuan, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine, among others.
- When it comes to vegans, Moscato matches well with not just the veggies listed above, but wine also goes very well with tofu.
- When it comes to meal planning, it is more than simply determining what type of meat or vegetables to serve; it is also important to consider what herbs, spices, and other ingredients you want to add into your dish.
- Cinnamon and ginger are among the spices that go well with Moscato, as are lime, cloves, chili peppers, cayenne, fennel, cilantro, orange juice, and mint.
- When it comes to sweets and Moscato, biscotti is a popular choice, and nut-based treats such as a caramel cashew torte go nicely with the sparkling wine.
- Other sweets to pair with Moscato include grilled peaches, a delicious cherry pie, and a rich and creamy cheesecake, among others.
While the most essential thing to remember when matching wine and food is to choose wines and meals that you love and that taste good to you, the dishes listed above are all excellent possibilities for Moscato pairings if you need some guidance.
Simple Dessert and Wine Pairings With Chart
Karen Frazier contributed to this report. Karen is a wine, drink, and cuisine aficionado who enjoys traveling. She has a California Wine Appellation Specialist credential from the San Francisco wine school, as well as a Bar Smarts mixology certificate, and she works as a bartender for charity events. Specialist in the Appellations of California Wine (CWAS) In order for LoveToKnow to be a participant in affiliate relationships, it is possible that a portion of purchases from links on this page will be paid to it.
Our editorial content is not influenced by these relationships in any way.
A solid combination brings out the flavors of both the wine and the dessert to their full potential.
Berry Wines
Raspberry, strawberry, and other berry wines are produced by a large number of wineries. These wines pair wonderfully with dark chocolate treats because they have a traditional taste profile. Chocolate and berries mix together like peanut butter and jelly, and the sweetness of the wine wonderfully balances the sharpness of the chocolate.
Ruby Port
When combined with dark chocolate, Ruby Port offers a deep, rich, dark fruit flavor that is unbeatable. As a matter of fact, it’s a fantastic traditional combination that’s definitely worth trying since it successfully balances the bitterness of dark chocolate with the sweetness of dark fruit.
Chocolate Wine
When combined with dark chocolate, Ruby Port has a deep, rich, dark fruit flavor that is unparalleled. The truth is that the sharpness of the dark chocolate is balanced by the sweetness of the dark fruit tastes, making it a delightful traditional combination that’s definitely worth a try!
Shiraz
Big, rich, fruit-forward notes that taste like berries and jam are commonly found in this powerful, spicy red from Australia that is also dry and peppery. While the Shiraz is dry, the fruit notes of the dessert pair beautifully with the dark chocolate, and the tannins help to cut through the fattiness of the dish. The dryness of the wine also helps to balance the sweetness of the chocolate, while the flavors of the jam help to soften any bitterness.
Wines With Crème Brûlée and Vanilla-Flavored Desserts
With its rich, creamy vanilla custard and caramelized sugar topping, this dessert is the perfect way to cap off a dinner. Pairing it with a dessert wine enhances the flavor of the meal even further.
Sauternes or Barsac
Traditionally, crème brûlée is served with sweet white wine from the Bordeaux area, which is the most traditional wine combination. Both Sauternes and Barsac wines are produced from grapes that have been infected with botrytis cinera, which is found in Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. The presence of this fungus adds layers of complexity to the wines, and the lateness of the harvest results in a high residual sugar level in the finished product.
A luscious, sweet wine with tropical aromas and a great, balanced acidity is produced as a consequence, which is well complemented by the vanilla custard.
Moscato (Muscat)
Traditionally, a sweet white wine from the Bordeaux area is served alongside crème brûlée as a dessert wine match. Both Sauternes and Barsac wines are prepared from grapes that have been infected with botrytis cinera, which is found in Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle varieties. The presence of this fungus adds layers of complexity to the wines, and the lateness of the harvest results in a high residual sugar level in the finished products. With this recipe, you will get a luscious, sweet wine with tropical aromas and a great, balanced acidity that will go nicely with your Vanilla Custard!
Gewürztraminer
This German dry whitemay seem like an odd pairing with a thick crème brûlée at first glance, but when you consider the wine’s taste and balance, it makes perfect sense. Gewürztraminer is a dry, spicy wine with a pleasant acidity that pairs well with food. The acidity of the wine helps to cut through the fat of the custard, and the dryness of the wine serves to temper the sweetness of the dessert. In this dessert, the delicate vanilla notes of the crème brûlée are complemented by the spiciness of the Gewürztraminer.
Pairing Wine With Apple Pie and Apple or Pear Desserts
Apple pies are a delicious combination of sweetness and spice. The majority of the time, wines that match well with apple pie will also pair well with other apple desserts, such as apple brown Betty (also known as apple crisp) and baked apples.
German Riesling
Spiced apple pies are a delicious combination of sweetness and heat. As a rule of thumb, wines that pair well with apple pie will also pair well with other apple desserts, such as baked apples and apple brown Betty (a kind of brown Betty).
Prosecco
Prosecco is a mildly bubbly Italian wine that is comparable to Champagne in taste and appearance. Prosecco is available at a variety of sweetness levels. To counteract the richness of the pie, go for an off-dry Prosecco that is gently sweet but not overpowering in its sweetness. Apple pie is made with crisp and acidic Prosecco, which pairs perfectly with the acidity of the apples used in the pie.
Moscato d’Asti
This Italian white wine has a subtle fizz and a mild sweetness, making it a refreshing summer drink. It also includes pleasant fruit flavors such as apples and pears, which makes it a fantastic match for an apple pie dessert. Despite the fact that Moscato d’Asti is slightly sweet, it is not overbearing, so you will not be putting extremely sweet on top of super sweet in your dessert.
Lemon Meringue Pie and Citrus Curd Wine Pairing
Because lemon sweets, such as lemon meringue pie, are naturally acidic, they can be paired with wines that are rather sweet in comparison.
Ice Wine
Ice wines are prepared from white wine grapes that have been harvested after the first frost has occurred, allowing the sugars to become more concentrated. Ice wines become delectably sweet as a result of this. This sweetness helps to temper the acidity of lemon sweets, resulting in a wonderful and satisfying match.
Late Harvest Whites
Grapes picked late in the season are used to make late harvest white wines, which are delicious. As a result, the wines tend to have a low alcohol content but a high concentration of residual sugar.
The sweetness of these wines ranges from mildly sweet to extremely sweet. Consider a late-harvest Viognier or Chardonnay, which tend to have zesty qualities that will pair nicely with the lemon taste profile.
Champagne
A dryChampagneor sparkling wine will also go well with a lemon meringue pie, as will a dessert wine. As with the crust’s characteristics, the biscuity notes of Champagne are a good complement for the meringue’s toasty flavor. Finally, Champagne has a tendency to be dry, which will help to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
Pumpkin Pie and Warm Spice Desserts Wine Pairing
With a lemon meringue pie, a dryChampagne or sparkling wine is also a good match. The biscuity aromas of Champagne complement the flavors present in the crust, and the toastiness of Champagne complements the browning of the meringue. In addition, Champagne is often dry, which will help to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
Tawny Port
Tawny Port is distinguished by its golden hue and its warm, rich taste. Although the fortified wine is often sweet, it also has delicious caramel and spice tastes that go nicely with the pumpkin and spices. The strong alcohol content of the pumpkin custard helps to balance out the creaminess of the custard.
Australian Dessert Muscat
This is a fortified wine that is comparable to a tawny Port in taste and appearance. It boasts a delicious combination of sweet and spicy aromas, as well as a pleasing golden appearance. Wine drinkers frequently describe the tastes of this wine as toasty, raisiny, or toffee-like. Pumpkin pie benefits from the combination of these warm tastes and the warm spices.
Madeira
This fortified wine from Portugal is available in a variety of sweetness levels, ranging from dry to sweet. Choose a sweet or semi-sweet Madeira to combine with your pumpkin dish, depending on your preference. Among the many characteristics found in Madeirate are smoky, peppery, and nutty, all of which complement the flavor of pumpkin. The high alcohol concentration also serves to perfectly complement the rich, creamy custard.
Tokaji
Hungarian Tokaji has rainy notes that go well with the spiciness of pumpkin pie and other sweets with a similar flavor profile. Dessert wine has a pleasant sweetness to it that goes well with the spice in the pie.
Tiramisu and Mocha Dessert Wine Pairings
Many wines will pair well with tiramisu and other sweets with a coffee flavoring. Coffee is a taste that combines nicely with a variety of flavor characteristics, according to the experts.
Vin Santo
The color of this sweet Italian dessert wine has a lovely golden hue. It has a nutty flavor, similar to that of hazelnuts, with a hint of sweetness. Nuts and coffee go together like peanut butter and jelly, so a glass of Vin Santo will go a long way in balancing out the coffee flavor of the tiramisu.
Cream Sherry
Cream Sherry is a sweet fortified wine with a chocolate hue that is made from grapes. In tiramisu, it has a nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness, which helps to balance out the harshness of the coffee components in the dessert.
Ruby Port
The color of this fortified wine is a rich maroon, and it has a subtle sweetness to it.
Ruby Port is known for being fruit driven, with tastes of berries dominating the aromas and sensations. It also has slight notes of nutmeg in the background. The aromas of berries and nuts are a fantastic compliment to the flavors of coffee and espresso.
Berry Desserts
Whatever the dessert (summer pudding or raspberry pie), berry desserts pair nicely with a wide range of wines that enhance their tastes and textures.
Rosé
Rosé wine is available in a variety of styles, from dry to sweet, and it has delicate floral and berry flavors that go well with berry sweets. If you’re serving sugary sweets, a drier rosé will help to balance out the sweetness.
Muscat-de-Beaumes-de-Venise
In the Rhône Valley, there is a sweet fortified wine called Muscat-de-Beaumes-de-Venise. It features sweet, honeyed, and citrus aromas that pair nicely with berries and berry desserts of all types and varieties.
Cava
The sparkling wine produced in Spain Cava may be either dry or sweet, and both are complementary to berries. Choose drier rosé wines to pair with sweeter sweets and sweeter rosé wines to pair with less sweet desserts to create a sense of balance and contrast in your meal.
Wine and Dessert Pairing Chart
Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain Cava may be either dry or sweet, and both of these flavors pair nicely with fruits like strawberries and raspberries. Choose drier rosé wines to pair with sweeter sweets and sweeter rosé wines to pair with less sweet desserts to provide a sense of balance and contrast.
Matching Wine and Dessert
While the options above might serve as a starting point, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to combining wines and sweets. Pair your favorite wines with your favorite treats. Look for tastes that complement one another and wines that will assist you in achieving the amount of sweetness you seek, and you’ll end up with a delectable match. LoveToKnow Media was founded in the year 2022. All intellectual property rights are retained.
Meals for Moscato – Moscato Pairings – Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods
Moscato, which is renowned for its sweetness, is produced from Muscat Blanc, which is one of the world’s oldest wine grape varieties. Typical Moscato tastes include Meyer Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Pear, Orange Blossom, and Honeysuckle, to name a few examples.
But did you know that there are 5 types of Moscato wine?
Known for its sweetness, Moscato wine is produced from Muscat Blanc, which is one of the world’s oldest wine grape varieties. Lemon, Mandarin orange, pear, orange blossom, and honeysuckle are some of the typical Moscato tastes.
Foods that pair wonderfully with Moscato include:
Pork Tenderloin, BBQ Pork, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Shrimp, Crab, Lobster, Halibut, Cod, and other seafood are all available.
Spices and Herbs
Cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne pepper, clove, ginger, chili peppers, cilantro, cashew, galangal, lime, mint, shallots, BBQ sauce, Teriyaki, sweet and sour, orange, marjoram, peanuts, roasted peanuts
Cheese Pairings
Cheeses ranging from medium to firm in texture will work well together. Try cheeses made from sheep’s and cow’s milk.
FruitsVegetables
Mango, pineapple, orange, carrots, celery, fennel, red and yellow bell pepper, and green onion are some of the fruits and vegetables used in this recipe.
Spec’s
Since 1962, Spec’s has been owned and operated by the same Houston family, making it a real destination shopping experience. We currently have over 150 locations throughout the wonderful state of Texas, and we have a huge assortment of wines, spirits, and better foods to offer our customers.
Moscato cheese pairing: a gourmet’s guide [infographic]
7 minutes are allotted for reading. Moscato is a complex yet delicate bubbly white, rosé, and occasionally red wine with a distinctive sweet taste, a rush of fruit scents, and delightful floral notes. It is produced in the Veneto region of Italy. When it comes to appetizer pairings, a bottle of Moscato is an obvious choice – yet, as you may have heard, it is best served with dessert or a platter of cheese. Foodies are well aware that the key to combining wine with food is to strike a balance between the two.
In this way, fragrant meals, cured meats, and soft, creamy cheeses complement this wine well. Goats cheese is the greatest Moscato cheese partner, and it is followed by burrata and mozzarella, which are also excellent choices.
How to Eat Cheese with Wine
The notion of a glass of cool Moscato in the evening, followed by a dish of cheese, is often enough to get us through a long day at work. What more could you want for than mouthwatering bits of creamy chèvre (ideal with Moscato) or Camembert accompanied with sips of fresh, acidic flavor? More wine, please: Pinot Grigio is a wine that is comparable to Moscato and is excellent for combining with cheese. Take a look at our comparison of the differences between Moscato and Pinot Grigio! Undoubtedly, presenting cheese and wine together is a natural and even traditional combination – but choosing the proper ones to pair with each other may be a difficult process.
A golden guideline is to pick cheese from the same region as the wine, if at all feasible, and to serve it at room temperature to bring out the best flavors in both dishes.
- Combining sweet wines with salty and creamy cheeses that have strong acidity is a good idea. Smooth and rich cheeses are recommended for more acidic wines. Light cheeses should be paired with light-bodied white wines. Spicy cheeses are served with off-dry whites. Wines that are open, fruity, and crunchy go well with white cheese. Try pairing soft cheeses (such as goat’s cheese) with dry, young red wines.
Some classic wine and cheese pairings
It is important to note that the creamier the cheese, the higher the possibility of the wine having acidity, and the firmer the cheese, the higher the possibility of the wine having tannins. Confused? Examine the following wine and cheese combinations to have a better understanding:
- Brie, Camembert, goat’s milk Bougon, and cow’s milk Brie are examples of soft cheeses. A full-bodied dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or other Burgundian white wines, goes particularly well with Chaource
- If the cheese is more aged, however, opt for Syrah or Grenache. In addition to pairing well with Sauternes, blue cheeses such asRoquefort and Stilton cheese combine well with Port. Wines such as Marsala and Madeira, as well as sherry and other fortified wines, particularly Italian dessert wines, pair nicely with the majority of the various blue cheeses available. Additionally, blue cheeses match well with fruity and fragrant white wines such as Moscato, and they pair particularly well with the strong acidity of Riesling. With Burgundy and Moscato, semi-soft and mature cheeses such as Munster, Maroilles, and Langres combine well. Semi-soft French cheeses such as Provolone, Reblochon, Livarot, Pont l’Évêque, Saint-Nectaire and TommedeSavoie are excellent with strong, white Bordeaux wines as well as aged white Rioja and various Sicilian white wines
- There is also a range of semi-soft Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Finally, hard cheeses such as Gruyère, Parmesan, aged Gouda, and Cheddar match nicely with red wines such as Claret, Cabernet Sauvigno, and Syrah, among others. When served with aged Bordeaux and Tokaji Asz, Mimolette cheese is a perfect match.
The best Moscato cheese pairing: Moscato and Goat’s Cheese
There are over two hundred different types of Muscat grapes, and if you’re interested in learning more about the differences between them, check out our complete guide to Moscato wines. In fact, it is thought that the roots of these grape types date back thousands of years, maybe as far as Egyptian times. Today, they are available in a variety of colors and forms, but the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape is the most widely utilized in the manufacture of Moscato wines. It’s important to note that different nations have distinct names for the Muscat wines that they make.
- A wonderful bouquet of sun-ripened fruits such as luscious peaches, pears, lemons, and mandarin oranges permeates the wine, which makes it an excellent partner with cheese.
- Given its powerful yet delicate flavor, it is great for offering at the beginning or conclusion of a supper, perhaps alongside some fine goat’s cheese.
- It pairs beautifully with the acidity and fruity flavor of Moscato.
- Particularly when the wine is of the Moscatel Rosé or Sárgamuskotály kind, this might be said to be the case.
- Using a fantastic Moscato wine as a match results in an excellent combination that does not overpower the flavor of the wine – rather, it enables each to express their own distinct flavors to the best extent possible, which is ideal for entertaining.
Amazing effects can be obtained by pairing this cheese with a glass of Moscato. Other nice alternatives to pair with goat cheese are an acidic Chenin Blanc from the Chinon AOC, or a more delicate Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley region.
Other Moscato Cheese Pairings
When it comes to cheese, there are various firm or semi-hard varieties that mix exceptionally well with Moscato. The first one that springs to mind is Grana Padano, which is a member of the Parmesan family. But there are others. It has a natural rind and pale yellow hue, a gritty, crumbly texture, and a somewhat fruity flavor. It is available in a variety of sizes. Although it was first manufactured in the 12th century, it is now produced in large amounts throughout the Po River Valley in Italy’s northeastern region.
- It goes nicely with fruity white wines like as Moscato, as well as red wines such as Barolo, Gavi, and Zinfandel.
- Both cheeses are produced in the Italian area of Emilia-Romagna and come from the same region.
- It has a natural rind, and its taste is deep and nutty in flavor.
- Another hard cheese that may be paired with a glass of Moscato wine is a hard cheddar cheese, which has a pale yellow hue and a crumbly texture and is a good match for Moscato wine.
- To bear in mind while matching with Moscato, remember that the longer it develops, the sharper the flavor becomes.
Soft cheeses
Although some soft, spicy cheeses, such as creamy Munster cheeses and Pepper Jack, go well with Moscato wine, it does not go as well with soft-ripened Brie and Camembert cheeses. It is possible to pair these cheeses with Moscato while not overpowering it with their fruity characteristics. In addition to Vinho Verde, another excellent white wine to pair with Camembert, see our 6 options for combining Vinho Verde with food! Brie is a kind of cheese that originated in France and is renowned as the “queen of cheeses.” It has a bloomy rind and a creamy hue, and it is smooth and buttery in texture.
- It is manufactured from semi-skimmed or whole cow’s milk.
- Camembert is another well-loved soft cheese that matches nicely with Moscato, which comes from the French area of Normandy and is produced in small quantities.
- Camembert, with its earthy scent and creamy, buttery flavor, is best suited with a light red wine such as Chinon or a decent Beaujolais, while other people prefer it with Moscato.
- Fresh and creamy in texture, with a buttery flavor and a milky scent, this soft, fresh cheese is delicious.
- You may, on the other hand, omit the burrata completely and simply use a plain mozzarella instead of it.
- It has a stringy texture, a milky flavor, and a fresh scent because it is made from cow’s milk.
- While we’re on the subject of soft Italian cheeses, Murazzano is another fresh soft cheese with a peppery flavor and a subtle scent that’s worth mentioning.
- Murazzano is more strong than some of the other alternatives mentioned above, but it is not harsh, which means that it matches very well with light and sparkling white wines such as Moscato and Prosecco.
- Aromatic herbs and sweet peppers, garlic, and fiery jalapenos combine to create a mouthwatering dish.
Pepper Jack cheese has a buttery flavor that goes well with a variety of foods. Pepper jack cheese served with a platter of grapes, melons, and grapes, all accompanied by a bottle of Moscato wine – now that sounds like a marriage made in heaven.
Moscato d’Asti and Cheese
Although some soft, spicy cheeses, such as creamy Munster cheeses and Pepper Jack, pair nicely with Moscato wine, it does not pair as well with soft-ripened Brie and Camembert cheeses. It is possible to pair these cheeses with Moscato while not overpowering it with their fruity essence. Another fantastic white wine to pair with Camembert is Vinho Verde–be sure to check out our 6 ideas for combining Vinho Verde with different foods. It is said that Brie is the “queen of cheeses” because of its origins in France.
- Hemp milk is made from semi-skimmed or whole cow’s milk.
- It is manufactured from semi-skimmed or whole cow’s milk.
- In addition to Camembert, another popular soft cheese that mixes nicely with Moscato, this time from the French area of Normandy, is Comté.
- Camembert, with its earthy scent and creamy, buttery flavor, is ideally matched with a light red wine, such as Chinon or a decent Beaujolais, however some people prefer it with Moscato instead.
- This soft, fresh cheese has a creamy texture, a buttery flavor, and a milky scent.
- The burrata is best served with crusty bread and prosciutto, and if you don’t have access to a bottle of Puglian Primitivo, a chilled glass of Moscato will do just well in its place.
- In addition to being a typical semi-soft cheese from Italy, this one is also made in the areas of Campania, Abruzzo, Puglia, and Molise, amongst other places.
- It is a dairy product.
- As long as we’re on the subject of soft Italian cheeses, Murazzano is another fresh soft cheese with a spicy flavor and a subtle scent that’s worth mentioning.
- Compared to some of the other possibilities, Murazzano is more powerful, but it isn’t as harsh – which means it matches very well with light and sparkling white wines like Moscato.
- Aromatic herbs and sweet peppers, garlic, and fiery jalapenos combine to create a mouthwatering flavor.
With its buttery flavor, Pepper Jack cheese is a good match with. Having pepper jack cheese with a platter of grapes and melons, as well as grapes, and pairing it with a bottle of Moscato wine is a match made in heaven, to say the least.
The Very Best Moscato Food and Wine Pairings
For those of you who enjoy Moscato wine, you are well aware that Moscato wine goes well with almost everything. With anything from soup to nuts, entrees to desserts, the sweet undertones of the wine enhance the flavor of whatever you’re serving.
What Is Moscato Wine?
Moscato is a sweet white wine made from the Muscat grape, which is grown in Italy. Italy is the world’s leading producer of Moscato, which is a semi-sweet, semi-sparkling wine made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grapes found in the Piedmont area of the country. A variety of dishes may be paired with Moscato, despite the fact that it has traditionally been regarded one of the greatest dessert wines. Flavors of mandarin orange, sweet lemon, pear, and honeysuckle mingle with hints of orange blossom and peach to create a complex blend.
What Food Pairs Well With Moscato Wine?
Moscato wine connoisseurs are well aware that there are a range of Moscato wine kinds, each with its own particular flavor profile, to choose from.
Moscato Food Pairing
Given the sweetness of Moscato wine, it pairs very well with spicy meals such as curries or seasoned chicken wings. Served alongside prosciutto with nuts and jalapeño seeds, crisp, fresh veggies, and soft and creamy Brie cheese, it makes an excellent charcuterie platter. Whether you’re serving crème brûlée, vanilla ice cream, or even rice pudding, a glass of Moscato will always be the right complement to your dessert.
Moscato d’Asti Food Pairing
In the style of Champagne, Moscato di Asti is a semi-sparkling wine that is both sweet and dry, and it has a mild effervescence that is evocative of Champagne. This vivacious wine is more than simply a dessert wine; it is also wonderful with savory nibbles such as fresh salami served with figs or melon on the side. To be on the safe side, serve cold Moscato d’Asti with simple sponge cake, fruit tarts, or sweet biscuits at the end of the meal if you want to preserve the finest for last.
Pink Moscato Food Pairing
Pink Moscato wine is made by blending Moscato with a small amount of Merlot. Foods like lamb shanks, grilled crab cakes, and spicy kabobs benefit from the vibrant strawberry fruit characteristics in this wine, which also brings out the zestiness of the meal itself. When paired with Pink Moscato, creamy pasta dishes such as Pesto alla Genovese or Rigatoni alla Carbonara are elevated to a higher level of flavor. To finish, you may serve a dish of fresh strawberries and whipped cream with a chilled glass of Pink Moscato to your guests, which will be both easy and delightful.
Red Moscato Food Pairing
It is possible to make red Moscato by combining Moscato with red wines such as Syrah or Zinfandel. When you drink Red Moscato, you will still get to experience the classic flavors and aromas of Moscato wine, but you will also get notes of wild cherry, berry, and peach. Prepare a main course of maple-glazed ham (which should be served with a sweet compliment) or spicy meatballs to go with this sweet wine (spicy with sweet contrast.) Sweet cream cheese filled strawberries or a cherry cobbler served with vanilla ice cream make a delicious dessert pairing with this dish.
Final Thoughts
Remember that the strong sweetness of Moscato makes it a favorite sweet treat of many who wish to provide the perfect aperitif before a meal.
But, no matter which variety of Moscato wine you pick, we are confident that you will enjoy this versatile wine.
Moscato Wine Pairing With Food – Crystal Decor
There is nothing better than Moscato wine when it comes to pairing with most cuisines, and it can be found at most wine stores. This Italian-based wine grape is one of the world’s oldest types, and it produces a diverse range of wines with varying amounts of acidity, alcohol, and richness in flavor. The process of learning how to recognize Moscatowine and match it with food may take some time and several wine tastings, but your efforts will not be in useless. By being familiar with this abundant kind of wine, you will be able to pick the white wine that will pair best with your dinner, regardless of your dietary preferences or preferences.
What is Moscato Wine?
Moscato Wine is a light white wine that originated in Italy and is known for its sweetness. One of the most prominent forms of this liquor is Moscato d’Asti, which comes originally from the Piedmont region of Italy and is one of the most widely available. This sweet, light effervescent wine is made from Muscat grapes, which according to many experts can trace its origins back to ancient Egypt, making it one of the oldest varieties of grapes still in production today. Muscat grapes are now grown all over the world, primarily because they are resistant to a wide range of weather and soil conditions.
Muscat grapes are available in more than 200 different varietals, ranging in color from white to golden, and in hue from grey to pink to black.
In most cases, the darker varietals are used as blending material for table wines or as raisins.
How to identify Moscato Wine
Despite the fact that Moscatowine may be served still or fortified, the most popular variety is mildly bubbled and has a fizzy consistency. It is often sweet and light in flavor, making it a pleasant beverage to sip over lengthy feasts or informal discussions. There are scents of citrus fruits, apricots, and rose petals in this perfume that is notably fruity in nature. Because it has a high concentration of sugar, it has a nice aftertaste that makes you want to take another drink. If you travel outside of the country, you may encounter Moscato wine under a variety of various names.
Brands from the United States or Australia, on the other hand, want to preserve the Moscato labeling that originates in Italy.
Types of Moscato Wine
Muscat grapes have a distinctive scent that varies based on the location in which they are grown.
As a result, Moscatowine may taste different from one region of Italy to another, or from one country to another around the world. Overall, there are a few different varieties of Moscato that you are likely to come across on the market, including the following:
Moscato d’Asti
It is believed that the scent of Muscat grapes varies depending on where they are grown. Consequently, Moscatowine may taste different from one area of Italy to another, or from one part of the world to the next. The following are some examples of common Moscato varietals that you are likely to come across on the market, including:
Moscato Rosa
A still form of Moscato, this liquor has a light red hue and a pleasant, fruity perfume that is reminiscent of berries. It is made from red-skinned grapes that are grown at high altitudes in the Trentino Alto-Adige region in northeastern Italy’s Trentino Alto-Adige region.
Moscato Giallo
Moscato Giallo is Italian meaning “Yellow Muscat,” although its hue is more like to gold when poured into a platinum crystal glass, as is seen when you pour it into a platinum crystal glass. A citrus fruit flavor dominates the palate, with a dry finish that is typical of the cooler climes of northern Italy, where the grapes were grown.
Moscato di Pantalleria
In the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and Tunisia, there lies a little island known as Pantalleria. A kind of Muscat grapes known as Zibbibo is grown here by the locals, and it gives the wine an apricot-like flavor and a hint of amber to the finished product. Because of its sweet scent, it is particularly well suited for sweets.
Moscato Canelli
This particular variety of Moscato is mostly produced in the Washington, D.C., area of the United States. In both still and sparkling variants, it is similar to the Moscato d’Asti in flavor and appearance.
White Moscato
Thisliquoris the traditional Moscato white wine, which can be found practically anywhere in the world, and it is delicious. It has a bright sparkling appearance and a sweet flavor with a mineral aftertaste that is reminiscent of citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons.
Pink Moscato
This sort of Moscato is made from a variety of grapes rather than just one variety. In typically, manufacturers blend whiteMoscato with a small amount of Merlot to generate a light-red or pink tint in their wines. It has a sweet flavor with a semi-dry aftertaste, and it generally has a sparkling texture to go along with it.
Red Moscato
Red Moscato is similar to Pink Moscato in that it is a blend of White Moscato with red wines such as Syrah or Zinfandel (as opposed to white Moscato alone). Depending on the amount of red wine used, Red Moscato can sometimes develop a dark, burgundy hue, and you may come across it referred to as “Black Moscato” when looking for it. It has a dry texture and tastes that are reminiscent of black tea and rose petals.
Sparkling Moscato
This liquor is similar to ordinary White Moscato, but it has a higher concentration of bubbles, which increases the sparkling effect. It is mostly sweet, with a distinct flavor of citrus fruits lingering in the mouth.
How to pair Moscato Wine with food
When pairingMoscato wine with food, the first thing you should keep in mind is that you are dealing with a sort of liquor that is predominantly sweet. As a result, it is recommended that you pair it with spicy foods, bitter or sour recipes, and even salty snacks to maximize its flavor. You should handle Moscato wine according to its primary characteristics, which are sweet, effervescent, and light. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for appetisers, sweet sweets, and as a dependable companion for pre-dinner discussions.
When combined with spices like as ginger, basil, cloves, and cinnamon, it produces a potent flavor that is hard to resist eating.
A dinner of Asian cuisine that is rich in veggies and spicy sauces may be readily accompanied by this beverage, and it can also be enjoyed after eating light kinds of cheese and tofu.