CARPE TRAVEL WINE 101:
GET TO KNOW THE GRAPES

Getting to know
Muscat wine

Muscat​ ​(muh·skat), called Moscato in Italy and Moscatel in Spain and Portugal is a storied grape found all over the world. 

While this highly aromatic white grape thrives in warm Mediterranean climates, some of its most notable expressions were born in cooler climates, like Northern Italy’s Piedmont region, France’s Alsace, and parts of Germany. Today top expressions come from Italy, Spain, and France.

What to know about the muscat grape

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Fun Fact

Believed to be indigenous to the Middle East, Muscat is possibly the oldest known grape varietal dating back to ancient Greece.

Despite its many styles and resting places, the Muscat grape’s claim to fame may well be that it consistently and definitively tastes and smells of grape in all its forms – dry to sweet, sparkling to dessert wine.  

While styles and variations are plenty, consistent flavors include tropical fruits like tangerine, mango, lychee, jasmine, beach rose, orange blossom, zesty orange, and sweeter spices. 

where to find the muscat grape

Muscat wines show up in various styles the world over, with the most popular being sweet fortified, sparkling frizzante, and dry versions. 

ITALY: MOSCATO D’ASTI WINE

Probably the most well known frizzante-style of muscat wine hails from Northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Moscato d’Asti is a low alcohol frizzante wine showing fresh, elegant fruit. Top expressions are not overly sweet, though lower priced versions tend that direction. The wines themselves are a favorite for aperitif and dessert.

FRANCE: MUSCAT WINES

Muscat is grown in different parts of France with top expressions coming from the Rhone Valley. Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, one of the world’s most elegant sweet fortified wines. In Alsace, Muscat is one of the four nobles grapes. Expressions include dry and sweet late harvest wines showing exotic flavors.

How to enjoy muscat wine

Muscat Wine Pairing

A sweet, fruity wine, Muscat works well with spicy, sour, salty, and bitter foods as well as desserts. 

Be mindful of the sweetness level of your Muscat wine. It handles spice well, so Asian and lighter Indian dishes work great. Also, enjoy with salads and grilled seafood.

Moscato d’Asti makes for a great brunch wine, pairing beautifully with salty, spicy foods – and, don’t forget that it is generally about 5.5% alcohol by volume, even better for your your morning events. 

Practical Tips For Drinking Muscat Wine

Glassware: Traditional white wine glass. 

Shelf life: Drink frizzante and still wines younger. Fortified dessert wines can be held 10+ years.

When is the Right Mood for Muscat Wine?

Sunday Brunch

Happy Hour

Summer Days

Dessert

Meat & Cheese

Plate

Celebrations

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Muscat WINE RECOMMENDATIONS

Looking for recommendations on Muscat wines? Here are a few we suggest you sip.

Valerie Quintanilla

Carpe Travel collaborated with Valerie Quintanilla to compile the grape varietal overviews. Valerie and her son Il Ragazzino reside in Barolo, Piedmont, Italy, by way of Denver, Colo. She runs a custom Italian travel planning business while moonlighting as a marketing consultant for European wine and travel companies. She has been featured in Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine Magazine, Open Skies (Emirate Airlines inflight magazine), and more. Follow her expat and wine chronicles here https://linktr.ee/valeriekq.