It’s not often that trendwatching is part of wine drinking, but over the past year moscato has hit a stride with consumers. The trend is not only that sales continue to grow and grow, but also that the wine may quickly replace American’s love affair with white zinfandel.
I know it’s not a wine likely to receive universal approval by wine critics with scores and cellar notes, but its sweet, light, bubbly style just seems to work. Moscato is known for its surprising perfume-like fragrance. Even as a low-alcohol content, straightforward wine, the aromatics in most moscato are amazing – tropical fruits, peach, orange blossom and even honeysuckle.
Moscato should be enjoyed when it’s young and fresh. It needs to be served chilled and it pairs well with an array of foods, from brunch to dessert. Some of my favorite matches are apple desserts, summer salads, peach cobbler, fresh berries, lemon breads and quiche. With its versatility and balance of sweetness and acidity, it’s also an ideal starter wine for summer parties, weddings or even just sipping on the deck.
THE VALUES
- 2011 Ecco Domani Italia Moscato, Italy (about $15 retail)
- 2011 Bella Sera Moscato, Italy (about $10 retail)
- 2011 Barefoot Moscato, California (about $10 retail)
- 2011 Candoni Moscato d’Italia, Italy (about $14 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2011 St. Supery Moscato, California (about $22 retail)
- 2011 Marco Negri Moscato d’Asti, Italy (about $22 retail)