Clap Clap Bravo, Moscato!

By Nikki Berglund
Contributing Writer

“It’s a celebration, clap clap bravo, lobster and shrimp, and a glass of Moscato.”  Do it Now by: Drake

For someone who works in a wine shop, the statement “I only drink sweet wine” often times can induce a rolling of the eyes followed by a walk right on over to the White Zinfandel section of the store. Lately, though a new trend has emerged that to some wine snobs might still be annoying, but to me suggests that even the “sweet wine only” drinkers of the world are heading away from our Grandmother’s favorite quaff and towards some wines with a little more finesse.

In the last few years Moscato appears to be the newest and most popular girl in town, but in actuality is believed to be some the oldest wine on record. Moscato (or the species of grape known as Muscat) is thought to be Greek in origin; it has even been suggested that a version was found in King Tut’s tomb. It is the base for such popular liquors as Peruvian Pisco and the Greek Metaxa (think Ouzo). Muscat, a generally musky, perfumy, honeyed style of wine can be a lot of things to a lot of people. Italy has been making some pretty tasty sparkling versions called Moscato d’Asti for ages. More recently, California has gotten into the groove. Hip Hop (hence the reason for my Drake references) is often attributed with seriously boosting the popularity of Moscato in recent years and the trend doesn’t seem to be dissipating any time soon. 

Most recently, California has taken this trend and ran with it, creating mostly inexpensive, easy to drink while not always of the highest quality wines. The high yield of this grape makes it perfect for this economy when some of the more expensive wines are just not within everyone’s budget.  You can find a California Moscato for as low as $5.00 a bottle on sale, although in many cases you really are getting what you pay for. In this category, perhaps the most popular brand would be Barefoot at around $6.50 for a 750ML or if you want to go all out you can pull out the big guns and go for a 1.5L for around $12. If you are looking to spend a little more money, Moscato Allegro, made from the Muscat Canelli grape is done in more of a Northern Italy style, right down to the attractive looking traditionally shaped bottle. This can still be purchased at a fairly inexpensive price tag of around $12.00 a bottle.

Maybe you prefer a little bit of sparkle with your sweet, so in this case a Moscato d’Asti is definitely the way to go. This Italian sparkling wine has been on the market quite a lot longer than the newer California still (not sparkling) Moscatos, but has seen huge growth with the gaining popularity of the California versions. You may be more familiar with the fairly popular Asti Spumante, but keep in mind, Moscato d’Asti is not that. First off, it is considered “semi sparkling”, meaning it possesses about half of the carbonation of an Asti Spumante. This low alcohol wine comes in a variety of price ranges and flavor profiles. If you are looking for one that is not too expensive, start with a Luccio Moscato d’Asti at right around $11.00. This wine pretty much sums up what a nice inexpensive Moscato d’Asti should taste like. If you want to take this new discovery to a much higher level though, it’s time to go for a delightful little dessert wine, Michelle Chiarlo’s Nivolo. At $16.00 for a half bottle (375ML) this one is a little more on the pricey side but the quality difference is like night and day. If you are a lover of a good quality dessert wine, this is a surprising little treat and would also make a fantastic after dinner drink for your holiday dinner this year.

More than once, I have heard Moscato referred to as “the gateway wine” which I think describes it perfectly! Although Moscato is not for everyone, I would much prefer to see someone expanding their horizons with this easy on the palette wine style than just insisting that wine is not their thing. So this holiday season, keep the White Zinfandel in your Grandma’s glass where it belongs, and break out the Moscato!

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