Moscato Wine Pairing Guide: Best Foods for Your Glass
If you thought Moscato was only for sipping with a dessert, then you should think again. This delicate, sweet wine, with its signature notes of peach, orange blossom, and nectarine, boasts surprising versatility in food and wine pairings. It turns out, Moscato wine pairing is not a one-trick pony. It can complement various foods, from spicy dishes to savory appetizers. So grab a chilled glass and let’s unlock the delicious potential of this often-underestimated wine as you learn everything that you need to know about Moscato food pairings.
Moscato: More Than Just a Dessert Wine
Many people associate the sweet wines of Moscato solely with dessert. Although it pairs wonderfully with sweet treats, don’t relegate it to the dessert tray. Moscato hails from the family of Muscat grapes, one of the oldest cultivated grape varietals. Originating in Italy, specifically the Piedmont region, this wine boasts a rich history, lending credence to its complex flavor profile.
Unveiling Moscatoโs Taste Profile
Moscato’s sweetness isn’t cloying. It offers a refreshing balance of fruitiness and acidity, making it surprisingly food-friendly. The key lies in understanding those unique characteristics:
- **Fruity Notes**: Dominant flavors of peach, apricot, and orange blossom come to the forefront. This inherent sweetness provides a counterpoint to savory and spicy dishes.
- **Floral Aromas**: Notes of honeysuckle, rose petals, and elderflower adds a captivating aroma and delicate sweetness.
- **Light Body and Low Alcohol Content**: Moscato is generally light-bodied with a lower alcohol content (usually around 5-7%). This makes it incredibly approachable for casual drinking, especially when compared to full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or a Chardonnay.
Moscato Styles
When we talk about pairing Moscato, itโs essential to differentiate between its various styles, as each possesses a distinctive character:
Moscato dโAsti: The Sparkling Wonder
This slightly fizzy (or frizzante ) style hails from the Asti region of Piedmont, Italy. Moscato d’Asti is known for its delicate sweetness and low alcohol content, usually bottled at around 5%. With pronounced aromas of white peach, honeydew melon, and jasmine, it’s often considered the benchmark style of the sparkling wine version.
Pink Moscato: A Burst of Berries
This vibrant style introduces red fruit characteristics like strawberry, raspberry, and red currant to the classic Moscato profile. This blush-hued beauty provides an exciting alternative if you’re seeking bolder flavors. Pink Moscato often has a bit of Merlot added to create its unique flavor.
Still Moscato: Unveiling Pure Fruit
Although less common, some producers craft still (non-sparkling) versions of Moscato. While still boasting the classic fruitiness, the absence of fizz lends a smoother, more rounded texture, further expanding its pairing possibilities. This makes a still Moscato an interesting wine to taste.
Perfect Moscato Food Pairings
Ready to impress your guests or elevate your next meal with the delightful versatility of Moscato? Here’s a breakdown of what to pair with each distinct style:
Moscato dโAsti Pairings: A Symphony of Flavors
Mario Soldati, one of Italyโs first gourmets, recommends enjoying this sparkling Moscato variety with a classic pairing of fresh salami accompanied by figs or melon. Beyond traditional Italian pairings, try these combinations:
| Moscato d’Asti | Foods to Consider |
|---|---|
| Aromas | White peach, honeydew melon, jasmine, citrus zest |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, light-bodied, delicate effervescence |
| Pairings | Fruity Salads: Combine with salty cheeses like feta for balance. Light Seafood Dishes: Grilled scallops or shrimp skewers pair nicely with Moscato dโAstiโs gentle sweetness. Asian-Inspired Cuisine: The sweetness balances beautifully with the spicy, tangy notes of Thai or Vietnamese cuisine. Fresh Fruit and Cheese Platters: Brie, goat cheese, grapes, berriesโall enhance the wineโs delicate fruitiness. Desserts like poached pears, apple tart, and pineapple upside-down cake are great complements to the fruit flavors of the wine. |
Pink Moscato Pairings: Embracing the Bold and Fruity
| Pink Moscato | Foods to Consider |
| Aromas | Strawberry, raspberry, red currant, cotton candy, rose petals |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, fruity, playful acidity |
| Pairings | Spicy Dishes: The wineโs sweetness helps mellow the heat in spicy foods, making it perfect with dishes featuring a bit of kick. Consider trying Pink Moscato alongside a vibrant green Thai curry, dan dan noodles, or an aromatic saag paneer. Fruit-Based Desserts: This pairing feels intuitive: Pair Pink Moscato with fruit tarts, strawberry shortcake, or a refreshing sorbet. Light Appetizers: Bruschetta with tomato and basil, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or spicy shrimp skewers would all work well. |
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your breakfast or brunch table, Pink Moscato also shines there too. If you’re tired of mimosas at brunch, Pink Moscato is the answer. Valerie Thompson, of Girls Gotta Drink, coined the experience โ Moscato For Breakfast. โ The experience includes indulging in a glass (or two) of Pink Moscato with light and fluffy blueberry pancakes. To fully embrace her concept of โMoscato for Breakfast,โ she recommends taking a trip to Italy to experience the magic firsthand. Start with a visit to Demarie, an eco-friendly winery that truly embraces sustainability.
Still Moscato Pairings: Embracing the Purity
| Still Moscato | Foods to Consider |
| Aromas | Peach, apricot, honey, orange blossom |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, aromatic, less acidic |
| Pairings | Creamy Pasta Dishes: The wineโs sweetness offsets creamy sauces, particularly those with subtle spice notes. Roasted Poultry and Vegetables: Roasted chicken or turkey finds a delicate companion in a glass of Still Moscato. Mild Cheeses: Opt for soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or a mild blue cheese. Fruit-Based Desserts: Angel food cake, panna cotta with berries, or a classic peach cobbler all pair wonderfully. |
FAQs about Moscato Food Pairing
What Goes Well With Moscato Wine?
While Moscatoโs sweetness might seem limiting at a first glance, it lends itself beautifully to various dishes beyond dessert. Think spicy foods like Thai or Indian curriesโthe wineโs sweetness tames the heat beautifully. Lighter appetizers like bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or shrimp skewers find balance in Moscato’s fruity sweetness.
What Should I Drink Moscato Wine With?
Moscato is best served chilled. For a refreshing experience, serve Moscato between 46ยฐF-50ยฐF (8ยฐC – 10ยฐC) in a white wine glass with a narrower bowl to concentrate its aromas. Holding the glass by the stem prevents your hand from warming the wine too quickly.
Is Moscato a Beginner Wine?
With its sweetness, light body, and approachable flavors, Moscato makes a fantastic entry point for those new to the world of wine. If you are just starting to learn about wine, you may want to try Moscato. Its lower alcohol content (generally 5%-7%) compared to many other wines contributes to its approachability.
Does Moscato Go with Pizza?
While you might think pairing pizza with red wine is the only option, that’s not always the case. When it comes to pizza, opt for white pizzas with milder toppings. Think ricotta, mozzarella, roasted vegetables, or even pesto-based pizzas. The lighter, brighter flavors of Moscato won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the pizza.
Conclusion
Pairing Moscato doesnโt need to be difficult. Embrace this delightful wineโs versatility. By understanding its nuances, you’ll be crafting memorable meals. Cheers to embracing the sweeter side of the world of wine.
