Varietals - Muscat (Moscato)

Wines made from the Muscat grape are common and quite varied, but also immediately recognizable by a distinct floral scent and a delicate similarity to Gewurztraminer with less spice.  This heavily grown grape has several specific varietals including the Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains and Muscat d’Alexandria.  The Muscat Blanc is a finer flavor, while the Muscat d’Alexandria offers a heavier flavor with sweet musky tones. 

Regardless of the specific varietal, which is often not listed on the label, Muscat wines can be identified by a pale color, light, sweet, green fruit flavors, and a light floral fragrance with a  hint of orange blossom.

Most Muscat grown around the world is made into sweet wine, but if you see one in the dry white wine section, pluck it out. Light, simple, and typically less than $10, dry Muscat can be a lovely white wine to have on hand for drop-by guests or Sunday brunches.

There is one place that excels in dry Muscat: Alsace. There's not much Muscat grown in Alsace, but what it does produce tends to be delicious, dry and fragrant with orange blossom scents. This is the sort of wine you might drink before the sausage-filled choucroute, or with light fish dishes. Dry Muscat of this quality can get pricey, from $20 up to $80.

Italy also makes many Muscat wines, some of the best of which are the lightly sweet and sparkling Moscato d'Asti of Piedmont.  These sweet Moscato wines are light and fruity, often listed as dessert wines and paired well with light fruit dishes and simple, citrus based desserts.

For more information on wines go to VinoList - The Wine Database

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