Moscato – often referred to as Moscato wine – is one of the world's most beloved sweet wines. Made from Muscat grapes, it's famous for its fragrant aromas, soft sweetness, and low alcohol content. Whether sparkling or still, pink or red, Moscato captures the joy of drinking wine that's as expressive as it is approachable.
From the rolling hills of Italy's Piedmont region to cellars in France, Spain, and Australia, winemakers craft Moscato in many styles – each celebrating the grape's signature floral aromas and fruity flavors. In this guide, we'll explore what Moscato is, how it's made, and why this timeless classic continues to charm wine lovers everywhere.
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What Is Moscato Wine?
At its heart, Moscato is a family of wines made from the Muscat grape – one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. The most prized of these is Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, known in Italy as Moscato Bianco.
Moscato wines are typically sweet wines with low alcohol (5–9%), soft bubbles, and an unmistakable perfume of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and ripe pear. These characteristics make it one of the most aromatic wines on earth.
While many people associate Moscato with its Italian versions – Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante – the Muscat grape family has inspired dessert wines, fortified wines, and even still white wines across the world.
The Origins of Moscato and Muscat Grapes
The Muscat grape has ancient roots stretching from the Mediterranean to Persia. Ancient Greek and Roman writers praised its sweetness and perfume centuries before modern winemaking. Today, Muscat varieties are cultivated globally – from northern Italy to southern Spain, France, and Australia.
Italy remains Moscato's spiritual home. In the Piedmont area, the cool climate and limestone soils nurture the perfect conditions for Moscato d'Asti, the region's lightly sparkling masterpiece. In France, you'll find Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, a fortified version known for its honeyed depth, while Portugal's Moscatel de Setúbal and Australia's Rutherglen Muscat showcase the grape's versatility as rich, aged dessert wines.
Few wine regions produce such an aromatic and diverse range from a single grape – proof of how adaptable Muscat is to climate, soil, and winemaker's style.
How Moscato Wine Is Made
The process behind Moscato's signature sweetness is a delicate balance of science and timing. During the fermentation process, winemakers halt fermentation early to retain natural grape sugar, leaving residual sugar that gives Moscato its luscious sweetness and low alcohol.
In sparkling and semi sparkling styles, fermentation also creates gentle carbon dioxide, giving Moscato its refreshing fizz. The winemaker then fine-tunes sweetness, acidity, and alcohol content to craft the desired flavor profile – whether a still, semi sparkling (frizzante), or fully sparkling wine.
Unlike other wines, which rely on long aging or oak barrels, Moscato is celebrated for immediacy: it's meant to be consumed young, capturing the vibrant aromas of freshly crushed fruit and spring flowers.
The 5 Main Types of Moscato Wine
Still Moscato
Still Moscato is a fragrant, sweet wine with a silky mouthfeel and notes of tropical fruit flavors such as peach, mango, and ripe pear. It's the purest expression of Muscat Blanc grapes, emphasizing freshness over effervescence. Perfect as an aperitif or with fruit tarts and lighter desserts.
Semi Sparkling Moscato (Frizzante)
The semi sparkling Moscato, or Moscato Frizzante, has a soft fizz that adds lift without the intensity of Champagne-like bubbles. Produced mainly in northern Italy's Piedmont region, this style delights with aromas of rose petal, citrus flowers, and mandarin oranges. It's a lively, low-alcohol option for brunches or outdoor celebrations.
Fully Sparkling Moscato (Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante)
The most iconic style is Moscato d'Asti, crafted in Italy's Asti province. Through a controlled secondary fermentation, winemakers capture natural carbon dioxide in the bottle, creating delicate bubbles and a luxurious creamy texture. Its cousin, Asti Spumante, is fully sparkling with more pressure — a celebratory wine that rivals other sparkling wines like Prosecco.
Expect aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and peach, balanced by gentle sweetness and crisp acidity.
Pink Moscato and Red Moscato
Pink Moscato is created by blending Muscat Blanc with a small portion of red wine grapes such as Merlot or Grenache. The result is a pale blush wine with flavors of strawberry, melon, and sweet citrus.
Red Moscato, often made from Black Muscat, is richer and more aromatic, offering notes of raspberry, cherry, and spice. Both are charmingly approachable — a natural choice for picnics, desserts, or warm evenings.
Fortified and Dessert Moscato Wines
Beyond the fresh, sparkling styles, Muscat grapes also shine in luscious dessert wines and fortified wines.
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Moscatel de Setúbal (Portugal): Deep amber, with flavors of toffee, orange peel, and fig.
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Rutherglen Muscat (Australia): Made from partially dried Muscat grapes, aged for years to create intense aromas of caramel, spice, and raisin.
These Moscato dessert wines show how Muscat's natural sugar and perfume evolve into aged wines of extraordinary complexity and warmth.
Flavor Profile and Aroma: What Does Moscato Taste and Smell Like?
The Moscato wine smell is unmistakable – a heady mix of orange blossom, honeysuckle, rose petal, and citrus flowers. On the palate, expect sweet flavors of peach, pear, mandarin orange, and tropical fruit, supported by lively acidity and a light, creamy texture.
The balance between sweetness, fragrance, and freshness makes Moscato one of the most instantly enjoyable Italian wines – refreshing, charming, and endlessly inviting.
Moscato vs. Other Sweet Wines
Moscato vs. Prosecco
Though both hail from Italy, Moscato and Prosecco offer distinctly different expressions of joy in the glass. Moscato is sweeter and lower in alcohol (around 5–6% ABV), celebrated for its floral perfume and juicy peach and orange blossom notes. Prosecco, by contrast, is typically drier, brighter, and more citrus-led, with a crisp sparkle created through the Charmat method.
Choose Moscato when you want something playful, fragrant, and sweetly expressive, or Prosecco for a lighter, zesty aperitif that refreshes rather than indulges.
Moscato vs. Riesling
Moscato and Riesling both charm sweet wine lovers, yet they tell different stories. Riesling, primarily from Germany, is known for its high acidity and striking minerality, capable of being bone-dry or lusciously sweet. Moscato, by comparison, is almost always sweet, softer in alcohol, and unapologetically floral.
Riesling can age gracefully, gaining complexity over time. Moscato shines brightest when young and fresh, a pure, aromatic snapshot of the Muscat grape at its most vibrant.
Alcohol Content and Sweetness Levels
Most Moscato wines have low alcohol content, typically between 5% and 9%. This makes them lighter and easier to drink than red wines or white wines like Chardonnay.
The residual sugar level – often 90–120 grams per liter – gives Moscato its sweet wine character, but the acidity keeps it from feeling heavy. Some fortified wines like Rutherglen Muscat reach higher alcohol levels (17–18%) but remain sweet and silky due to the preserved sugar.
This balance of low alcohol, high aroma, and natural sweetness defines Moscato's appeal as a sweet yet refreshing wine for all palates.
Food Pairings and Serving Tips
Few wines are as versatile with food as Moscato. Its aromatic sweetness makes it a delightful companion for a wide range of flavors:
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Spicy foods: The sweetness balances heat in Thai, Indian, or Mexican cuisine.
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Fruit tarts & desserts: Complements lemon curd, apricot pastries, or fruit sorbet.
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Lighter meats: Glazed chicken, ham, or pork with citrus sauces pair beautifully.
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Cheese plates: Especially soft, creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone.
Serve Moscato wine chilled at 40–45°F (4–7°C) in a tulip glass to highlight its fragrance. Once opened, keep it fresh using proper storage or Coravin Pivot+ or Sparkling system.
Popular Wine Regions Producing Moscato
Moscato's charm has inspired winemakers across the globe:
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Italy: Piedmont region (Moscato d'Asti, Asti Spumante)
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France: Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, Muscat d'Alsace
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Portugal: Moscatel de Setúbal
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Spain: Moscatel wines from southern Spain
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Australia: Rutherglen Muscat, one of the richest Muscat-based wines in the world
Each region expresses Muscat's floral, fruity essence through its own winemaker's style, from lightly sparkling to long-aged fortified wines.
Why Moscato Is a Global Crowd-Pleaser
Moscato's enduring popularity comes down to accessibility. It's a sweet, fruity wine that's joyful, easy to drink, and beautifully aromatic. Its lower acidity and low alcohol make it ideal for relaxed occasions or as an introduction to wine.
Whether you're enjoying a casual glass of Pink Moscato or celebrating with Moscato d'Asti, it's impossible not to appreciate its balance of sweetness, freshness, and fruit-forward flavor. Moscato is, quite simply, wine that makes people smile.
Enjoy Moscato by-the-Glass with Coravin
Love Moscato but don't want to commit to the entire bottle? Coravin gives you the freedom to enjoy every glass on your terms.
Coravin Timeless
Perfect for still Moscato sealed with natural cork, the Coravin® Timeless™ wine by-the-glass system lets you pour without pulling the cork. The remaining wine stays as if untouched – fresh and delicious, even years later.
Coravin Pivot+
Ideal for still wines and gentle, low-pressure styles, the Pivot+ replaces oxygen with pure Argon gas to protect the remaining wine for up to four weeks. Each pour tastes as vibrant as the first – perfect for enjoying sweeter Moscato styles by-the-glass, without compromise or waste.
Coravin Sparkling
For fully sparkling wines such as Moscato d'Asti or Asti Spumante, Coravin Sparkling® keeps bubbles and flavor intact for at least four weeks. Using CO₂ – the same gas that gives sparkling wines their natural effervescence – it maintains freshness and fizz, glass after glass.
Together, Coravin Timeless™, Pivot+, and Sparkling® let you explore Moscato's full spectrum – still, lightly sparkling, or fully sparkling – with the confidence that every pour remains as the winemaker intended.
Moscato Wine FAQ's
Is Moscato a sweet wine?
Yes, Moscato is considered a sweet wine, but it's important to remember that not all Moscatos are created equal. The sweetness level of a Moscato can vary depending on the winemaker's intentions and the specific style of wine they aim to produce. While Moscato is generally known for its lower acidity and sweet, fruity flavors, the balance of sweetness and acidity can range from semi-sweet to dessert levels.
Is Moscato a dessert wine?
While Moscato is sweet, not all styles are dessert wines. Sparkling Moscato d'Asti and still Moscato are sweet but light enough to enjoy throughout a meal. However, Moscato Passito and other late-harvest Moscato styles with concentrated sweetness (150+ g/L sugar) are true dessert wines, perfect for pairing with pastries, fruit tarts, or enjoying as dessert itself.
Does Moscato need to be chilled?
Yes, Moscato should be served chilled. The ideal serving temperature is 45-50°F (7-10°C) for sparkling varieties and 50-55°F (10-13°C) for still Moscato. Chilling enhances the wine's refreshing qualities, balances its sweetness, and highlights its delicate aromas. Store opened bottles in the refrigerator and consume within 3-5 days for best quality.
Is Moscato good for beginners?
Absolutely! Moscato is one of the best wines for beginners. Its approachable sweetness, low alcohol content (5-6% ABV), and friendly price point make it an excellent introduction to wine. The pronounced fruity and floral flavors are easy to identify and enjoy without needing extensive wine knowledge. Many wine enthusiasts started their journey with Moscato.
How many calories are in Moscato?
A glass of Moscato can be expected to have between 120-160 calories. Moscato typically has 122 calories per 5 oz serving. This is slightly higher than dry wines due to its residual sugar content, but the lower alcohol percentage helps offset some calories. For comparison, a 5 oz glass of dry white wine has about 120 calories, while dessert wines can have 200+ calories per serving.
How is Moscato different from other wines?
One of the most distinguishing features of Moscato is its typically lower alcohol by volume (ABV), usually ranging between 5-6%. This is considerably less than many other white wines, which can have an ABV of around 13% or higher. Additionally, Moscato is known for being a lighter-bodied wine, offering a delicate and refreshing experience that's perfect for a sunny afternoon or a gentle introduction to the wide world of wines.
Where is Moscato wine produced?
While Moscato grapes are grown worldwide, the most famous Moscato wines come from Italy's Piedmont region. Here, the grapes thrive, producing wines that beautifully express the local terroir. However, other regions such as Australia and the United States, especially California, have also gained recognition for their high-quality Moscato wines. Other notable regions include France, Australia and the United States (particularly California).
Is Moscato a wine or champagne?
This question often stems from confusion around sparkling wines and how they're produced. In its most common form, Moscato is a still wine, which means it doesn't undergo secondary fermentation to produce bubbles. Moscato d'Asti, however, is a semi-sparkling wine that gets its gentle fizz through a different process than that used for making Champagne. Champagne undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, which Moscato d'Asti does not, giving it a unique characteristic all of its own.
Can Moscato be aged?
While Moscato is typically enjoyed young to capture its vibrant and fresh fruit flavors fully, there are exceptions. Certain types of Moscato, such as Moscato Passito, made from grapes that have been dried to concentrate their sweetness and flavors, can benefit from aging. However, for most Moscato varieties, their charm lies in their youthful exuberance.
Explore the Sweet World of Moscato
So, what is Moscato? It's a celebration of nature's sweetest expression – a wine made from Muscat grapes, cherished for its perfume of orange blossom, peach, and tropical fruit flavors. From the gentle sparkle of Moscato d'Asti to the rich depth of Rutherglen Muscat, it spans centuries of winemaking and countless styles.
Whether served chilled at brunch, poured alongside fruit desserts, or sipped slowly on its own, Moscato remains one of the world's most inviting wines – proof that sweetness, when perfectly balanced, can be sophistication itself.
And with Coravin, you can enjoy it one glass at a time – fresh, fragrant, and exactly as the winemaker intended.