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The Sweet and Sparkling World of Moscato

Moscato sales have skyrocketed in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing wine varieties in the U.S. market. This sweet, often sparkling wine has found fans among both new and experienced wine drinkers.

At Ojai Beverage Company (OBC) in Ojai, California, we've seen firsthand how Moscato has become a go-to choice for many of our customers. This guide will walk you through what makes Moscato unique and why it might be worth trying on your next visit to our store.

What is Moscato Wine?

Moscato is a wine made primarily from Muscat grapes. These grapes are known for their strong, sweet aroma and have been used in winemaking for thousands of years.
Key facts about Moscato:
  • Main grape variety: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
  • Typical flavors: Peach, apricot, orange blossom, and honey
  • Sweetness level: Usually sweet, but can vary
  • Alcohol content: Generally low, often between 5-7% ABV
  • Texture: Often light-bodied with some effervescence
Moscato's popularity stems from its approachable taste profile. It's sweet without being overpowering, making it an easy choice for those new to wine or who prefer sweeter drinks.

Types of Moscato

Moscato comes in several varieties, each with its own characteristics:

1. Moscato d'Asti

  • Origin: Piedmont region, Italy
  • Style: Semi-sparkling (frizzante)
  • Taste: Sweet, light, with fine bubbles
  • Typical flavors: Peach, apricot, sage

4. Still Moscato

  • Also known as: Moscatel (Spain), Muscat (France)
  • Style: Non-sparkling
  • Often sweeter and more full-bodied than sparkling versions

2. Pink Moscato

  • Made by: Adding a small amount of red wine to white Moscato
  • Color: Light pink to salmon
  • Additional flavors: Berry notes alongside typical Moscato characteristics

5. Red Moscato

  • Made from: Black-skinned Muscat grapes
  • Additional flavors: Cherry, raspberry
  • Less common than white or pink varieties

3. Sparkling Moscato

  • Style: Fully sparkling (spumante)
  • Bubbles: More pronounced than Moscato d'Asti
  • Often sweeter and more aromatic than other sparkling wines
Each type of Moscato offers a different experience, from the lightly bubbling Moscato d'Asti to the still, intense flavors of Moscatel. The variety allows wine drinkers to find a Moscato that suits their personal taste preferences.

OBC's Featured Moscato

Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d'Asti

Tasting notes: Delicate sweetness, refreshing acidity, pronounced peach and apricot flavors

Best for: Pairing with fruit-based desserts, light pastries, or as an aperitif

Popular Moscato Brands You Should Know

Bartenura Moscato stands out with its distinctive blue bottle and has become a household name. It offers a light, refreshing taste that's perfect for beginners and wine enthusiasts alike. If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, Barefoot Moscato delivers a reliably sweet profile with several styles to choose from.

For those interested in exploring premium options, look for Italian producers like Vietti and Saracco. These wineries specialize in Moscato d'Asti, offering exceptional quality and traditional craftsmanship. Other reliable choices include Gallo Family Vineyards and Sutter Home, both offering various Moscato styles at accessible price points.

How Moscato is Made

The journey from grape to glass is what makes Moscato special. Winemakers start with ripe Moscato Bianco grapes, carefully pressing them to extract juice. Cold fermentation preserves those distinctive fruity aromas you'll notice in every sip. For sparkling versions, they add a second fermentation step to create those delicate bubbles. Pink Moscato gets its rosy color from a small amount of red wine added during production.

Pairing Moscato with Food

Moscato's sweet nature makes it incredibly food-friendly. Here are some foolproof pairings:
  • Love spicy food? Moscato's sweetness calms the heat in Thai and Indian dishes
  • Having dessert? Try it with fruit tarts or peach cobbler
  • Hosting brunch? Serve it alongside French toast or fruit-topped waffles
  • Want a contrast? Pair with salty prosciutto or mild cheeses

Moscato Serving Tips for the Perfect Glass

Getting the most from your Moscato is simple:
  • Keep it cold: Serve between 42-50°F
  • Use the right glass: Choose a white wine glass with a narrow bowl
  • Store smart: Keep unopened bottles in a cool, dark place
  • Drink fresh: Once opened, enjoy within 3-5 days

When to Drink Moscato?

While Moscato is great year-round, certain seasons bring out its best qualities:

Summer Sipping

Hot summer days call for chilled Moscato. Its low alcohol content makes it perfect for afternoon gatherings and outdoor parties. Try serving it poolside or at garden parties where its light, refreshing character shines.

Holiday Celebrations

During the holidays, Moscato's natural sweetness pairs beautifully with traditional desserts. It's also a crowd-pleasing option for those who prefer sweeter wines at holiday gatherings. The sparkling varieties add a festive touch to any celebration.

Easy Moscato Cocktail Recipes

1. Moscato Mule

This sweet twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines the fragrant notes of Moscato with spicy ginger beer.

Ingredients:
  • 3 oz Moscato wine
  • 2 oz ginger beer
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice
Instructions:
  1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with crushed ice
  2. Pour in the Moscato and fresh lime juice
  3. Top with ginger beer
  4. Gently stir to combine
  5. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wheel
  6. Serve immediately while bubbles are fresh
Pro tip: Choose a spicier ginger beer to balance Moscato's sweetness.

3. Peach Moscato Bellini

A sophisticated brunch cocktail that highlights Moscato's natural peach notes.

Ingredients:
  • 4 oz Moscato
  • 2 oz peach puree (fresh or high-quality store-bought)
  • Peach slice for garnish
Instructions:
  1. Pour peach puree into a champagne flute
  2. Slowly add chilled Moscato
  3. Gently stir to combine
  4. Garnish with a fresh peach slice
Pro tip: Make your own peach puree by blending ripe peaches and straining to remove pulp.

2. Moscato Sangria

Perfect for summer gatherings, this refreshing sangria lets Moscato's fruit flavors shine.

Ingredients:
  • 1 bottle Moscato
  • ¼ cup brandy
  • 2 peaches, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • Sparkling water
  • Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
  1. Combine sliced fruit in a large pitcher
  2. Add brandy and let fruit soak for 15 minutes
  3. Pour in the Moscato
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight
  5. When serving, fill glasses with ice
  6. Pour sangria over ice, leaving room for sparkling water
  7. Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water
  8. Garnish with fresh mint
Pro tip: Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor. In winter, try pears and citrus; in summer, use berries and stone fruits.

4. Berry Moscato Spritzer

A light, refreshing option that's perfect for afternoon sipping.

Ingredients:
  • 3 oz Moscato
  • 3 oz sparkling water
  • ¼ cup mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Ice cubes
Instructions:
  1. Muddle berries gently in the bottom of a wine glass
  2. Add ice cubes
  3. Pour in Moscato
  4. Top with sparkling water
  5. Garnish with fresh berries and basil leaves
Pro tip: Freeze berries to use as ice cubes - they'll keep your drink cold without diluting it.

Making Better Moscato Cocktails: Tips & Tricks

For the best results when mixing Moscato cocktails:
  • Always use chilled Moscato to maintain bubbles
  • Add sparkling ingredients last to preserve effervescence
  • Use fresh fruit whenever possible for the best flavor
  • Adjust sweetness by varying the ratio of Moscato to other ingredients
  • Serve immediately after preparing for the best taste and presentation

Visit OBC for Your Perfect Moscato

At Ojai Beverage Company in Ojai, California, we stock a carefully selected range of Moscatos. Whether you're looking for a casual sipper or a premium bottle for a special occasion, our team can help you find the perfect match.

Stop by our store in the charming East End of Ojai at 655 East Ojai Avenue, call us at (805) 646-1700, or email OBConline@yahoo.com to learn more about our selection. From weekend wine tastings to seasonal food pairings, there's always something exciting happening at OBC – come discover why we're Ojai Valley's favorite destination for wine.