
Muscat / Moscato
Learn about Muscat — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
Alluringly aromatic and delightful, Muscat never takes itself too seriously. Muscat is actually an umbrella name for a diverse set of grapes, some of which are genetically related and some of which, are not. The two most important versions are the noble, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, and Muscat of Alexandria, thought to be a progeny of the former. Both are grown throughout the world and can be made in a wide range of styles from dry to sweet, still to sparkling and even fortified. Muscat is well-known in Italy's Piedmont region (where it goes by Moscato) mainly as Moscato d’Asti, a slightly sparkling, semi-sweet, refreshing wine low in alcohol. On the Iberian peninsula, it goes by Moscatel, not to be confused with Bordeaux's Muscadelle, which is acutally unrelated.
Tasting Notes for Muscat
Muscat makes a dry, sweet or sparkling white wine. Regardless, Muscat wines always possess marked aromatics of rose petal, jasmine, honeysuckle or orange blosson. These wines can have flavors of peach, pear, Meyer lemon, orange and lychee, often with a hint of sweet spice.
Perfect Food Pairings for Muscat
Muscat is a perfect match for Asian cuisine and other spicy foods. Off-dry Muscat can work well with lighter desserts like key lime pie and lemon meringue, while fully sweet Muscat-based dessert wines are enjoyable after dinner with an assortment of cheeses.
Sommelier Secrets for Muscat
Muscat is one of the oldest known grape varieties, dating as far back as the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Pliny the Elder wrote in the 13th century of a sweet, perfumed grape variety so attractive to bees that he referred to it as uva apiana, or “grape of the bees.” Most likely, he was describing one of the Muscat varieties.
- Chardonnay5082
- Sauvignon Blanc2052
- Other White Wine1477
- Other White Blends1316
- Riesling980
- Pinot Gris/Grigio906
- Viognier374
- Rhône White Blends367
- Chenin Blanc351
- Gruner Veltliner309
- Bordeaux White Blends252
- Albarino242
- Gewurztraminer230
- Pinot Blanc201
- Muscat173
- Vermentino113
- Torrontes91
- Cortese84
- Arneis79
- Garganega73
- Friulano72
- Fiano58
- Semillon54
- Aligote50
- Trebbiano49
- Melon de Bourgogne47
- Verdejo47
- Verdicchio45
- Falanghina43
- Godello43
- Roussanne36
- Grenache Blanc35
- Vernaccia34
- Greco32
- Grillo32
- Malvasia32
- Viura26
- Picpoul23
- Muller Thurgau19
- Marsanne17
- Assyrtiko16
- Verdelho16
- Furmint12
- Grechetto12
- Moschofilero12
- Xarel-lo12
- Arinto8
- Inzolia8
- Loureiro6
- Pedro Ximénez2
- Savagnin2
- Jacquere2
- Ribolla Gialla2
- Silvaner2
- Airen1
- Carricante1
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Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d'Asti (375ML half-bottle) 2014Muscat from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
- WW
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Bodegas Jorge Ordonez Malaga Botani Old Vines Moscatel 2014Muscat from Spain
- RP
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Seven Daughters Moscato 2014Muscat from Italy
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Quinta Nova Pomares Moscatel 2014Muscat from Portugal
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Vietti Moscato d'Asti 2014Muscat from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Castoro Cellars Muscat Canelli 2014Muscat from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Salt of the Earth Flore de Moscato 2014Muscat from Central Coast, California
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Centorri Moscato 2014Muscat from Lombardy, Italy
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La Fiera Moscato 2014Muscat from Veneto, Italy
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Secco Italian Bubbles by Charles Smith Moscato 2014Muscat from Veneto, Italy
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Beni di Batasiolo Moscato d'Asti Bosc dla Rei 2014Muscat from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscato d'Asti 2014Muscat from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Gregory Graham Moscato del Fresco (375ML half-bottle) 2014Muscat from Lake County, North Coast, California
- WW
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LangeTwins Estate Moscato 2014Muscat from Clarksburg, Yolo County, California
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Menage a Trois Moscato 2014Muscat from California
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Uvaggio Moscato Dolce 2014Muscat from Lodi, California
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Angove Family Winemakers Nine Vines Moscato 2014Muscat from South Australia, Australia
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Jeff Runquist Muscat Canelli 2014Muscat from California
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St. Supery Moscato 2014Muscat from North Coast, California
- WW
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Bartenura Moscato (OU Kosher) 2014Muscat from Italy
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La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato d'Asti (375ML half-bottle) 2014Muscat from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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La Morandina Moscato d'Asti 2014Muscat from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Robert Mondavi Moscato d'Oro (375ML half-bottle) 2014Muscat from Napa Valley, California
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Fontanafredda Briccotondo Moscato d'Asti 2014Muscat from Asti, Piedmont, Italy
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Earl Stevens Moscato 2014Muscat from California