Moscato Wine Gift Baskets

Moscato is one of the oldest grape families in the world. Moscato grapes are grown around the world in temperate climates. Moscato grapes prefer deep damp soils, and ripen late in the season. Italy produces more Moscato than any other country. It was reported that Moscato was the third most consumed white wine in the United States. There are hundreds of grape varieties in the Moscato family. Moscato grapes range in color from golden, pale yellow, pale green, pink, red, brown, to black. Moscato wines are usually straw-yellow with hints of gold. Most Moscato wines have a low alcohol content, and a high level of sweetness which pairs perfectly with spicy foods. Food pairings that compliment Moscato wines are savory dishes, summer salads, chicken, seafood, pork, antipasto dishes, barbecue, and a variety of cheeses. Moscato wines pair beautifully with desserts like cheesecake, chocolate, apple desserts, fresh berries, peach cobbler, meringue pies, and hazelnut desserts.

Moscato wines are produced in a multitude of styles, from light-bodied, medium-bodied, full-bodied, dry, off-dry, dessert wines, sweet, very sweet, frazzinate (slightly bubbly), sparkling, and still wines. Sparkling Moscato wines should be chilled to 45 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. White still Moscato wines should be chilled to 50 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. Dessert Moscato wines are best experienced when the wine is chilled to 60 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. Moscato wines are known for their distinctive grapey bouquet and flavor. With hundreds of grape varieties in the Moscato grape family there is not one true Moscato wine. Each Moscato wine has its own regional nuances and character. Regardless of where the Moscato grapes are grown or the style of wines they are used to produce, all Moscato wines have similar bouquets / flavors. Bouquets and flavors that are common with all Moscato wines are fresh grapes, honeysuckle, orange blossom, peach, apple, pear, lime, apricot, citrus tones, almonds, and ginger.