10 fun facts about Moscato to quench your thirst

Open your mind to the wonderful world of Moscato, both surprisingly diverse and reliably refreshing.

From Italy’s Moscato d’Asti to Australia’s fresh and fruity styles, we’ve never met a Moscato we didn’t like. And we’ve met a few. So let’s dive into these 10 fun Moscato facts, guaranteed to both quench your thirst and up your wine game. 

It’s a win(e)-win(e).

What’s in a name? 

Quite a lot, actually. Muscat isn’t a singular grape variety – in fact, a bunch of Muscat varieties exist. Here’s a handy list from Wine Australia for the fastidious among us. Memorise this and you’ll earn our eternal respect. 

• Muscat a Petits Grains (red, white and brown variants including ‘Frontignac’ synonyms) 
• Muscat of Alexandria, the most popular grape used in Australian Moscato 
•  Muscat Hamburg 
• Orange Muscat 
• Morio Muskat (yep, that’s with a ‘K’) 
• Moscato Giallo 
• Canada Muscat 
• Diamond Muscat  
• Summer Muscat 
• Gewurtztraminer (aka Traminer Musque) 
• Sun Muscat 
• Hawson’s Seedless Muscat 
• Muscat Ottonel

Keep in mind, the term Moscato can only be used if a minimum of 85% of the wine is obtained from Muscat varieties. 

Speaking of epithets, Moscato is also a popular Italian surname. But we digress. 

Please don’t let Moscato be misunderstood 

Moscato is an often-misunderstood wine, denigrated by many wine buffs for being too sweet or too fruity. Yet in the hands of a talented winemaker, Moscato is distinctly memorable: an approachable and easy-drinking white wine that’s beautifully fresh with a soft musk aroma and a delicate sparkling finish. Other common flavours include peach and heady orange blossom.

Moscato – hardly a spring chicken 

Forget the all-too-recent 14th century, when Moscato wine was first recorded. Moscato is in fact made from the ancient Muscat grape. Both the ancient Romans and ancient Greeks enjoyed the wine (called by two impenetrable names we’ll leave alone). Modern production of Moscato d’Asti, however, only kicked off in the 1870s. But we won’t hold that against it. 

Choose your own adventure: sparkling or still Moscato 

You’re not alone: many a punter has assumed that Moscato is exclusively a sparkling wine – perhaps because of spritzy Moscato d’Asti. But that’s happily not the case. Delicious still Moscato is also produced by the barrel load. With the same lifted floral aromas you know and love but an entirely different mouthfeel, still Moscato is worth wrapping your palate around. That is, if you haven’t done so already. 

Moscato is refreshingly low alcohol 

Moscato wine is known for having a consistently low ABV (that’s Alcohol By Volume). Most clock in at 5-7% alcohol, while the strongest tap out at 10%. Perfect for those who prefer to party longer, not harder. 

Moscato: a true food wine 

Moscato’s high level of residual sugar ensures the wine pairs beautifully with spicy foods, from wok-tossed Asian stir-fries to fragrant red and green curries. Blushing beauty Pink Moscato is a delight with berry desserts such as strawberries and cream, as well as soft cheeses and cured meats. Bottom line? Throw some food Moscato’s way and it’s likely to stick. 

Should you age Moscato? NO. But also, sometimes 

When it comes to ageing fresh, fruity Moscato, the critics are unanimous: you absolutely should not. Wines such as Italy’s Moscato d’Asti, on the other hand – if stored correctly – can sometimes be aged for ten years or more. It all comes down to the level of acid in the wine. More acid equals more potential to age. 

Moscato grapes make the perfect snack 

We wouldn’t recommend chowing down on a bunch of thick-skinned, seed-ridden Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Moscato, on the other hand, is one of the only grape varieties to double as a table grape and a wine grape. Generally the two don’t co-exist. 

Moscato cocktails 

Never imbibed a delicious Moscato-infused cocktail? Well now’s the time to channel your inner mixologist. From a Moscato Margarita to a Mojito and Moscato Bellini, these simple, wine-based cocktails are perfect for wine-o-clock. 

Moscato is officially cool (as in hip) 

From up-with-it Millennials to famous hip hop stars, the younger generation can’t get enough of party-loving Moscato. A tad longer in the tooth? Don’t be put off – both still and sparkling Moscato pair perfectly with buoyant family gatherings and convivial afternoon teas. 

BONUS FUN FACT 

May 9 is World Moscato Day! Of course, feel free to devote the entire month of May to this effervescent drop. There’s just something about Moscato that invites lingering celebrations and bubbly good times. 

Here at Brown Brothers, we have an abundance of delicious Moscato ripe for the picking. From our beloved Sparkling Moscato – the most popular Moscato in Australia – to our Limited Edition Moscato Strawberries & Cream, there really is something for everyone. 

We’ll cheers to that.