A woman cuts Moscato grapes in a vineyard of the Monferrato countryside, northwestern Italy.MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images
There was a moment when moscato was positioned to be the next big thing in white wine. Consumption was booming in the U.S. in the 2000s and Drake was singing the praises of the sweet, affordable wine in his 2009 song, Do It All.
In 2012, Gallo Family Vineyards established Moscato Day on May 9 to increase awareness of the aromatic white wine.
But moscato didn’t break through like Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or Drake, for that matter. Its mainstream popularity was localized in the United States, Australia and China. Italian wine drinkers didn’t need to embrace the fragrant and fruity white wine as it has always been a staple thanks to the ongoing success of Moscato d’Asti from Piedmont and quality expressions from other regions.
Wines made with muscat grape varieties are popular with Canadian wine lovers, but they didn’t experience the same explosive growth or plateau. Drier white wine styles like pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay continue to enjoy stronger sales.
But there’s cause for celebration where moscato and other wines made from muscat grape varieties are concerned. I am a long-standing fan of the wide assortment of regional expressions. From the distinctly dry and intensely aromatic examples made in Alsace, France, to the complex and sweet fortified dessert wines from Rutherglen in Australia.
As an educator, it’s always fun to introduce students to a light and sweet style of muscat, say a Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise from France’s Rhône Valley. Despite being made from fermented grape juice, wine is seldom described as smelling or tasting like grapes except for muscat grape varieties.
Muscat-based wines often taste like perfumed grape juice, which is part of the challenge. There’s a stigma surrounding sweeter white wines. Some find them to be utterly delicious, while others prefer more refreshing flavours. Here are three different expressions that showcase the charm of well-made muscat wines.
Batasiolo Bosc d’la Rei Moscato d’Asti 2024 (Italy), $21
Batasiolo Moscato d’Asti goes well with spicy dishes.Supplied
Rating: 88
Made in a delicate and easy-drinking style, this low-alcohol white wine offers juicy nectarine, citrus and green apple flavours with honey and floral notes. Its style is an enjoyable wine to serve with spicy dishes or enjoy on its own after dinner. This has 5.5 per cent ABV and 109 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta, $23.99 in Saskatchewan, $23.09 in Prince Edward Island.
Bottega Petalo Il Vino Dell’Amore Moscato (Italy), $15.95
Bottega Petalo Il Vino Dell Amore Moscato presents juicy peach and citrus flavours.Supplied
Rating: 88
Produced in Italy’s Colli Euganei region, located between Verona and Venice, this tank fermented sparkling wine presents juicy peach and citrus flavours with persistent floral notes that are easy to appreciate. The bubbles add freshness to the sweetness on the palate. This has 6.5 per cent ABV AND 85 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $18.49 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $19.99 in Manitoba, $16.35 in Quebec.
Jacob’s Creek Moscato 2024 (Australia), $16.10
Jacob’s Creek Moscato is nice with club soda for white wine spritzer.Supplied
Rating: 86
A subtle fizz on the palate helps to balance the floral and tropical fruit flavours of this expressive white wine that’s a classic example of the commercial moscato style. This is also enjoyable when mixed with club soda for white wine spritzer. This has 7.5 per cent ABV and 74 g/litre r.s. Drink now. Available at the above price in Ontario, $12.99 in British Columbia ($11.49 until May 30), various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $15.99 in Manitoba, $17.49 in New Brunswick, $20.10 in Newfoundland.