An Australian family is building a bridge to wine appreciation with the fruity, versatile moscato grape | Canada Voices

On the front labels on wine bottles, you typically see the name of the producer, region or grape variety. Occasionally, there will be a clue as to the style of wine, such as dry riesling or unoaked chardonnay.

However, labels rarely explain what flavour to expect from the wine, which would be particularly helpful for consumers who are unfamiliar with wine. This is why Australia’s Brown Brothers has introduced a range of flavoured wines, including the Strawberries & Cream Moscato that’s newly released in Ontario, in the hopes of attracting new consumers.

“From someone coming from the seltzer category, it’s really clear which of their RTDs [ready to drinks] has watermelon flavour or a guava flavour,” says Emma Brown, head of innovation at Brown Family Wine Group. “They know the flavour expectations.”

Brown is a fourth-generation winemaker working in King Valley in northeast Victoria. Her job is to make wine more accessible for younger drinkers while maintaining the time-honoured patina that comes with Brown Brothers’ 137-year history and heritage.

The decline in wine consumption is a significant challenge.

“Now is absolutely the time to be thinking recruitment into wine and how we build confidence with people in the category,” Brown says.

Brown Brothers teamed up with Gelato Messina, an Australian dessert company, to produce a sweet, fruity wine that tastes like strawberries and cream gelato. The winemaking team infused strawberry and vanilla cream flavours into the family’s popular white moscato wine. After the success of this wine in Australia, Mango Swirl Moscato and Lush Lychee Moscato were added to the portfolio.

“There’s a lot of data that show if people have a poor taste experience when they’re trying wine for the first time, they will reject the category for two years,” Brown explains.

“If we can make that first stepping stone a really taste-led, enjoyable one, we have the opportunity to recruit and retain them as wine drinkers.”

The winery also produces a range of moscato blends, such as Moscato & Chardonnay and Moscato & Sauvignon Blanc, to encourage consumers to experiment with different styles of wine as they gain confidence. (In addition to pioneering new styles, Brown Brothers produces a wide range of wines, including high-quality still and sparkling wines under its Patricia label, named after the family matriarch.)

“Our key has always been, don’t overshadow the wine,” Brown says.

Brown Brothers Strawberries & Cream Moscato may not be to everyone’s taste, but the addition of familiar flavours into a wine-based beverage could divert attention away from the ever-expanding ready-to-drink category. It is reviewed this week along with a plummy and spicy South African red and three distinctive rosés.

Alvi’s Drift 221 Pinotage 2022 (South Africa), $17.95

Rating: 90

This good-value red wine shows true pinotage character, distinguishing itself from traditional expressions characterized by rubber and tar notes, as well as modern brands, like The Grinder or Barista, with their coffee-style mocha flavours. Its juicy and bright, with appealing plummy and spicy notes. Just the thing to change people’s perceptions about this misunderstood grape variety. Alvi’s Drift’s approachable style makes this a good option to bring to a barbecue. This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 5 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available in Ontario.

Brown Brothers Strawberries & Cream Moscato (Australia), $13.95

Rating: 87

There is no mistaking the strawberry and vanilla cream aromas that jump out of the glass in this flavoured version of Brown Brothers’ classic moscato. On the palate, the berry and cream notes blend nicely with hints of orange sherbet and floral notes. Thanks to a gentle spritz and bright acidity this wine tastes fresher than its sweetness level would suggest. This has 8 per cent ABV and 69 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $14.99 in Manitoba.

Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2025 (France), $30.95

Rating: 92

Now in its 20th vintage, Whispering Angel continues to draw attention to the premium Provence rosé category. It displays the classic regional style, with its pale pink colour and nicely calibrated juicy, tangy fruit flavours and refreshing acidity. The style delivers impressive texture, depth and length. This has 13 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028. Available at the above price in Ontario, $32.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $36.49 in Manitoba ($32.74 until May 31), $32 in Quebec, $35.98 in Nova Scotia.

Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé 2025 (France), $19.95

Rating: 90

Winemaker Gérard Bertrand produces a range of rosés from the south of France, including this best-selling brand in its distinctive bottle. Côtes des Roses is a blend of grenache, cinsault and syrah, with each variety harvested and fermented separately before blending. The finished wine offers bright citrus, red berry and rhubarb flavours as part of its vibrant and polished character. This has 13 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $25.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $20.80 in Quebec, $24 in New Brunswick, $24.99 in Prince Edward Island, $24.24 in Newfoundland.

Quails’ Gate Rosé 2025 (Canada), $23.99

Rating: 88

Made in a dry and citrusy style, this tank-fermented blend of gamay and pinot noir from the Okanagan creates a vibrant rosé that’s best enjoyed with a meal. Aromas of watermelon, cherry and berry add to the appeal. This has 13 per cent ABV and 4 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price direct, quailsgate.com, various prices in Alberta, $23.75 in Quebec.