Raise a Glass: The Top 10 Moscato Wines to Look Out for in 2023

Raise a glass to Moscato, the sweet and refreshing Italian wine that has captured our hearts (and taste buds) for generations. With its delicate aroma of peaches and apricots, Moscato is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon with friends. As we look ahead to 2023, there are plenty of new and exciting Moscato wines on the horizon. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 Moscatos that you should be looking out for in 2023. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of delicious Moscato wines!

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Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti is a sparkling wine that hails from the Piedmont region of Italy. It’s made from Moscato Bianco grapes, which give it its signature sweet and fruity flavor. What sets Moscato d’Asti apart from other sparkling wines is its low alcohol content - usually around 5-6%. This makes it the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a glass (or two) without getting too tipsy.

Another unique characteristic of Moscato d’Asti is its light and effervescent texture. The bubbles are delicate and refreshing, making it a great pairing with desserts or even spicy foods. Some popular food pairings include fresh fruit, cheesecake, and Thai curry.

One thing to note about Moscato d’Asti is that it should be served chilled in order to fully appreciate its flavors and aromas. And while some may consider it a dessert wine, others find that it pairs well with savory dishes such as roasted chicken or grilled fish.

Moscato d’Asti offers a unique take on traditional sparkling wines thanks to its lower alcohol content and fruity flavor profile. If you’re looking for something sweet yet refreshing to sip on in 2023, be sure to add this delightful Italian wine to your list!

Fior d’Arancio

Fior d’Arancio is a Moscato wine that originates from the Veneto region in Italy. This variety of Moscato grape is known for its distinct orange blossom aroma, which gives it its name “fior d’arancio,” meaning “orange blossom” in Italian.

The Fior d’Arancio wine has a slightly sweet taste with hints of peach and apricot flavors. It has a low alcohol content, making it an excellent choice as an aperitif or paired with light desserts.

This type of Moscato wine is produced exclusively in the town of Montello e Colli Asolani, located north of Venice. The area’s unique microclimate and soil composition provide ideal growing conditions for this variety of grape.

Fior d’Arancio gained DOCG status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) in 2011, recognizing its exceptional quality and distinctive characteristics. The strict regulations governing production ensure that only the highest quality grapes are used to make this exquisite dessert wine.

Fior d’Arancio stands out among other Moscato wines due to its delicate aroma and refined flavor profile. Its limited production makes it highly sought after by connoisseurs worldwide who appreciate fine Italian wines.

Passito di Pantelleria

Passito di Pantelleria is a sweet wine that comes from the island of Pantelleria, located off the coast of Sicily. This unique wine is made using a unique process where grapes are harvested late in the season and then left to dry in the sun for several weeks.

The drying process concentrates the sugars and flavors of the grape, resulting in an intense and flavorful wine. The Passito di Pantelleria is characterized by its amber color, rich aroma, and notes of apricot, honey, and figs.

This delicious dessert wine pairs well with fruit-based desserts like tarts or sorbets. It’s also perfect to enjoy on its own as an after-dinner treat.

While Passito di Pantelleria isn’t as well-known as some other Moscato wines, it’s definitely worth seeking out for those looking to expand their palate. Its unique flavor profile makes it stand out among other sweet wines and offers a taste experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Moscatello di Noto

If you’re looking for a Moscato wine that offers something truly unique, then Moscatello di Noto is definitely worth trying. This sweet Italian dessert wine hails from the Sicilian town of Noto and is made using the Muscat grape.

Moscatello di Noto has a distinct aroma of apricots, peaches, and honeysuckle, which makes it an excellent choice to pair with fruit-based desserts like peach cobbler or apricot tart. The taste of this golden straw-colored wine is just as delightful as its aroma - expect notes of honey, orange blossom, and dried fruits.

What sets Moscatello di Noto apart from other Muscat wines is its high acidity level, which means it’s not overly sweet on the palate. It strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity- making it an ideal accompaniment to savory dishes like spicy Asian cuisine or Middle Eastern food.

One unique factor about this particular wine is that it’s typically aged in oak barrels for at least six months before bottling. This process gives Moscatello di Noto its rich amber color while also adding depth and complexity to its flavor profile.

If you want to try something different but still want all the deliciousness associated with sweet wines- give Moscatello di Noto a try! Its unique traits are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.

Zibibbo

Zibibbo, also known as Muscat of Alexandria, is a white grape variety that originated in North Africa and was brought to Sicily by the Arabs centuries ago. Today, it’s mostly grown on the island of Pantelleria off the coast of Italy.

The volcanic soil and hot climate of Pantelleria produce grapes with an intense aroma and sweetness that make Zibibbo wines stand out. The wine is typically golden-yellow in color with notes of orange blossom, apricot, honey, and spices like cinnamon.

Zibibbo can be made in different styles including dry or sweet still wines, sparkling wines or fortified wines like Passito di Pantelleria. This dessert wine is made from sun-dried grapes which are fermented for months resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.

Due to its unique taste and rarity compared to other Moscato varieties, Zinbibbo may not be as well-known but it’s definitely worth trying if you’re looking for something new to add to your collection.

Malvasia delle Lipari

Malvasia delle Lipari is a sweet white wine produced on the Aeolian Islands, off the coast of Sicily in Italy. The wine has been made for centuries and is known for its unique taste and aromas. It is made from Malvasia grapes grown on volcanic soils, which give it a distinct flavor profile.

The wine’s color ranges from deep gold to amber, depending on how long it has been aged. It has an intense aroma of honey, apricots, peaches and dried fruit that makes it stand out among other sweet wines.

The taste of Malvasia delle Lipari is rich and complex with notes of caramelized sugar, raisins and nuts. Its sweetness balances perfectly with its acidity making this wine perfect for pairing with desserts or enjoyed as an after-dinner drink.

Malvasia delle Lipari is a DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata) certified wine which means that its production adheres to strict regulations ensuring high quality standards are met.

If you’re looking for a unique sweet wine experience then Malvasia delle Lipari should be at the top of your list. With its rich history and incredible flavors, this Italian gem will definitely not disappoint!

Malvasia Bianca di Candia Aromatica

Malvasia Bianca di Candia Aromatica is a sweet white wine that originates from the Lazio region of Italy. It’s made from the Malvasia grape variety, which is known for its aromatic and fruity notes.

The wine has a light yellow color with greenish hues, and it’s characterized by its intense aromas of apricot, peach, orange blossom, and honey. On the palate, Malvasia Bianca di Candia Aromatica is rich and smooth with flavors of ripe tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. The sweetness in this wine is perfectly balanced by its crisp acidity.

This wine pairs well with desserts like fruit tarts or cheesecake but can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. Its floral aroma makes it an excellent choice for summer gatherings or picnics under the sun.

Malvasia Bianca di Candia Aromatica is a beautiful example of Italian winemaking at its finest. Its complex aromas and flavors make it a must-try for any wine enthusiast looking to expand their palate beyond traditional varietals like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Greco di Tufo

Greco di Tufo is a white wine made from the Greco grape variety, which is primarily grown in the Campania region of Italy. This unique and refreshing wine has been gaining popularity among moscato lovers for its crisp acidity, floral aroma and citrusy flavors.

The name “Tufo” actually refers to the volcanic soil where these grapes are grown, giving them a distinct mineral quality that can be tasted in every sip. With its delicate balance of sweetness and acidity, this wine pairs perfectly with seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or scallops.

One reason why Greco di Tufo stands out from other moscato wines is because it’s one of the few that can age well over time. Unlike most moscatos which are meant to be consumed young, Greco di Tufo can develop more complex aromas and flavors as it ages in the bottle.

If you’re looking for a moscato with a little more depth and complexity than your average sweet sparkling wine, then give Greco di Tufo a try! It’s definitely worth exploring what this unique Italian varietal has to offer.

Brachetto d’Acqui

Brachetto d’Acqui is a sweet, red sparkling wine that hails from the Piedmont region of Italy. This Moscato-based wine has a distinctive aroma of strawberries and raspberries, making it perfect for those who have a sweet tooth.

What makes Brachetto d’Acqui unique is its versatility in pairing with food. It pairs well with desserts such as chocolate cake or fruit tarts, but also complements savory dishes like roasted meats and spicy Asian cuisine.

One reason why Brachetto d’Acqui stands out among other Moscato wines is its lower alcohol content. At only around 6% ABV, this wine isn’t too heavy on the palate and can be enjoyed throughout a meal without overpowering the flavors of your food.

While it may not be as well-known as some of its Moscato counterparts, Brachetto d’Acqui’s unique flavor profile and versatility make it worth seeking out for any wine lover looking to try something new.

Conclusion

To sum it up, Moscato wine has been a beloved choice for centuries. The sweet and fruity taste makes it the perfect dessert or party drink. With its growing popularity, there are endless options to choose from around the world.

In this article, we have highlighted ten of the best Moscato wines to look out for in 2023. From classic Italian favorites like Moscato d’Asti and Fior d’Arancio to lesser-known gems like Passito di Pantelleria and Zibibbo, these wines are sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting your journey into the world of wine, exploring different types of Moscato is always worth trying. We hope that our recommendations will inspire you on your next adventure in search of great tasting wine!

So what are you waiting for? Raise a glass and enjoy one (or more!) of these delicious Moscatos today!