Add to your calendar another day to celebrate – this one for the love of a grape. Moscato has hit a stride with consumers and continues to be the fastest-growing grape varietal in the United States. It’s so popular that Thursday is National Moscato Day.
The style just seems to work for many American palates with its light, bubbly sweet tastes. It’s known for its surprising perfume-like fragrance. Even as a low-alcohol, straightforward wine the aromatics in most moscato have layers of tropical fruits, peach, orange blossom and even honeysuckle. It not only tastes refreshing, the easy-going wine pairs easily with many cheeses and spicy foods.
Most of us don’t need a reason to have a chilled glass of Moscato but lots of fun is to be had Thursday, starting with Gallo Family Vineyards, who will be hosting a National Moscato Day Twitter party from 8 to 9 p.m. It is offering an open invitation for anyone looking to learn more about the wine and different ways to enjoy it. By joining the conversation using the hashtag #MoscatoDay on Twitter, people can share and gather hosting tips, food-pairing suggestions and wine facts. Gallo is bringing in a few food and wine experts to join in the discussion, making the party even better.
Sutter Home Family Vineyards are also joining in the fun with a Moscato Day Sweepstakes from today to May 31. Fans are invited to enter for a chance to win one of 100 Moscato Prize Packs that contain a set of six charms, four plastic wine glasses, a sparkling wine stopper and a moscato cocktail recipe booklet. Sutter Home will also be hosting a Twitter Party, join in @SutterHome for #sutter-HomeMoscato from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Eight people will be randomly entered to win a prize during the live Twitter party sweepstakes. Visit nationalmoscatoday.com for more information.
THE VALUES
- 2011 Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato, California (about $6 retail)
- 2011 Sutter Home Family Vineyards Moscato, California (about $6 retail)
- 2001 Mionetto Vineyards, Italy (about $14 retail)
- 2011 Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Moscato, California (about $8 retail)
- 2011 Ecco Domani Moscato, Italy (about $15 retail)THE SPLURGES
- 2011 St. Supery Moscato, California (about $22 retail)
- 2011 Marco Negri Moscato d’Asti, Italy (about $22 retail)