Blog March 20th,2023
Moscato (moh-SKAH-toh) is a family of aromatic grapes that come in various hues, from white to to yellow, from pink to black, resulting in the production of different types of wines.
These grapes are cultivated all over Italy but some of the most famous examples come from the region of Piedmont. The white grapes are especially suitable for sparkling wine production, while the black and pink varieties make excellent sweet wines.
Moscato is the most widespread aromatic vine in Italy. The name seems to derive from "Muscum" (musk) and refers to its distinctive aroma.
Two best known grape varieties of this family are the White Moscato, used both for still and sparkling wines, and Yellow Moscato, mainly distributed in Northern Italy.
Black and pink berried Moscatos are rare, and they are mostly used for dessert wine production.
Moscato is one of the most common grapes in Italy, being present from far north to far south.
Initially cultivated in Etruria, Moscato vines were spread by the Romans almost everywhere in Italy.
Today White Moscato is the fourth largest Italian white grape by vine area, and the most cultivated vine in Piedmont.
There are thousands of Moscato grapes from north to south of Italy, all characterised by a rich aroma that is easily detected in the final bottle. The difference between the various Moscato wines lies precisely in the specific grapes and the areas of origin.
White Moscato is a very versatile grape that makes dry, sweet sparkling (such as Asti DOCG) and sweet dessert wines (such as Moscato di Trani DOC.
These wines are light and fresh, characterised by a deeply floral and herbal note, with a hint of minerality.
The Yellow Moscato grape has ancient Syrian origins and it is likely derived from Greece, brought over by Venetian merchants.
It is less common than white Moscato, and mainly found in north-eastern Italy. In the Euganean Hills it gives life to Moscato Fiori d’Arancio, while in Alto Adige it is known as "Goldmuskateller".
Pink Moscato is a particular grape variety widespread in Trentino-Alto Adige and also to a lesser extent in Friuli, Piedmont, Emilia and Sicily. The origin of the vine is thought to be Sicilian, and its name derives from its primary rose aroma.
The large family of Moscato grapes can produce a wide variety of wines, whose specific characteristics are greatly influenced by the climate and terroir of the area of the origin in which they are grown. Flavours include floral, mineral and balsamic notes and they often have a light structure (which becomes richer when grown in southern Italy).
The juice and acidity of Moscato lends it well to sweet, sparkling wines using the Charmat method. The most popular sparkling Moscato wines are Asti DOCG, and Colli Euganei Fior d'Arancio DOCG.
This category also includes the delicate Moscato d'Asti, with its light effervescence and low alcohol content (normally around 10% ABV).
Light and delicate with flavours of peach, pear and apricot
Deliciously complex with flavours of orange blossom, dried apricots and pear.
A perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, perfectly paired with desserts
In addition to the delicate and refreshing sparkling wines and the delicious sweet styles, Moscato also gives life to some very interesting dry white wines. These include Muscat di Chambave from Valle d’Aosta and Moscato Alto Adige DOC, known in Trentino Alto Adige as Goldmuskateller.
These wines show a brilliant straw yellow colour with golden reflections; they are medium-bodied, dry, with delicate aromas and a refreshing finish. They are perfect aperitif wines and excel with spicy cuisines, such as Indian or Thai.
Aromatic and light bodied with flavours of jasmine, tropical fruit and citrus
Rich and buttery with flavours of lychee and mangos
Pink Moscato is a very ancient grape, likely of Greek origin. Now, it is widespread in Trentino Alto Adige, where it produces excellent dessert wines.
Its cultivation is very demanding: these fragile grapes require a prolonged ripening in order to develop their sugar content. They give very low yields, and for this reason the wine was once reserved for a small circle of wealthy connoisseurs. Even in the present day, it is a rare and quite expensive wine.
Extremely complex with flavours of clove, chocolate, raspberries and cherries.
Deliciously bold flavoured with flavours of cherry, cocoa and leather. Rich and decadent.
The black skinned Moscato is quite rare and production is limited to specific areas. Two wines in particular are extremely interesting: the Moscato Nero d’Aqui, produced in Piedmont, and the Moscato di Scanzo DOCG (from the ancient village of Scanzorosciate), in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy.
The latter is considered an authentic oenological pearl with its persistent and characteristic nose and harmonious sweetness of black cherries and spices.
Very full bodied and complex with flavours of plums and chocolate
Rich and velvety, this wine has a perfect balance of sweet fruit and spices.
Dark and intense with flavours of incense, cherry and sweet spices.
Moscato grapes produce some of the most important sweet wines in Italy. Their high sugar content and the resistance of their skins to diseases make them particularly suitable for dessert wine production. The most famous denominations include the Passito di Pantelleria and the Moscato di Trani.
These wines are ideal paired with desserts. Lighter versions match well with fruit tarts, while the more complex styles are perfect with traditional sugary desserts, such as Sicilian sweets.
Deliciously sweet and complex with flavours of orange rind, chestnuts and dried apricot
Light and refreshing, floral flavours such as elderflower and lavender.
An explosion of fig, raisin and honey flavours, a brilliant wine for cheese
Thanks to its versatility, the Moscato grape family offers plenty of food combinations.
Thanks to its low alcohol content, Moscato D’Asti is the perfect companion for brunch. The particular flavour and freshness of dry Moscato wines make them an excellent match with oriental cuisine based on fish, shellfish or white meats, as well as cured meats.
Sweet Moscato pairs well with a great variety of desserts, from crème caramel to pistachio based dessert such as Panettone or chocolate cake. They are also delicious with blue cheeses and foie gras.
probably the most popular Italian starter and a summer classic! Nothing beats this dish paired with Moscato d’Asti.
a typical Indian dish that combines spicy flavours with the delicate texture of shellfish. Try it with a dry White Moscato.
an iconic Sicilian dessert filled with ricotta and candied fruit. The classic match is Moscato di Pantelleria.
The first Moscato bottled by Paolo Saracco dates back to 1988, but the history of this winery is much older. From the 1980s until today, Paolo Saracco has made himself known as a producer of quality Moscato. His vineyards extend over a span of three kilometers and are made of very old vines. His wines express the best characteristics of the terroir of origin.
Founded in 1983 Donnafugata embraces all the great production areas of Sicily. They own legendary vineyards in Pantelleria, ancient cellars in Marsala, vineyards in Etna and Vittoria, up to the Contessa Entellina Estate.
Their Ben Rye is a wine that has an extraordinary personality that is well known as one of the best Passito di Pantelleria.
Established in 1980 thanks to the passion and enterprising initiative of 3 friends. Cantina Vignalta is located amongst the enchanting and gentle hills of the Euganean Hills which are volcanic in origin. They have many different wine styles including one of the best examples of Italian Yellow Moscato (Fior d'Arancio).
Moscato wines are recognisable for their distinctive and intense bouquet including flavours such as musk, peach, sage, lime, wisteria, and honey. Moscato based sparkling wines are creamy and sweet but still light and with an elegant structure.
Moscato grapes have a high sugar content which makes them ideal for sparkling and still sweet wines. They also produce excellent examples of dry wines.
Moscato grapes are generally high in natural sugar content and have a particular aromatic character of musk and white flowers, that heightens the sweetness of the wine.
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