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Types of Moscato Sparkling Wine

Moscato sparkling wine is a type of wine that is made from the muscat grape. This type of grape has many variations which lead to different types of Moscato sparkling wine. They include:

• Asti

  Asti is a sparkling wine that is made in the Asti region of Italy. It is a sweet wine with fruity and floral flavors that are slightly effervescent.

• Rosso

  Rosso is made from red Muscat grapes. It is a rare type of Moscato sparkling wine that is also sweet with flavors of red fruit.

• Lingotto sparkling wine is produced in the Lingotto region of Italy. Like Asti, it is made from Muscat grapes but has a richer flavor profile.

• Moscato d’Italia

  Just as the name suggests, Moscato d’Italia is a sparkling wine from Italy. It can be dry, semi-sweet, or sweet and is known for its fresh and fruity flavor.

• Moscato Rose

  Moscato Rose is made from Muscat grapes that give a rosé color. It has flavors of berries and stone fruit.

Ingredients Used to Make Moscato Sparkling Wine

Moscato sparkling wine is made using several key ingredients. They include:

• Muscat grapes

  The primary ingredient in making Moscatto sparkling wine is Muscat grapes. They are chosen because they have distinct floral and fruity flavors. These grapes are typically harvested when they are at peak ripeness to ensure that they have maximum sweetness.

• Yeast

  Yeast plays a very important role in making Moscato sparkling wine. Winemakers use specific strain of yeast to convert the sugar content of Muscat grapes into alcohol. The mission of this yeast is to produce carbon dioxide and ethanol during fermentation.

• Sugar

  Since Moscato sparkling wine is sweet, sugar is one of the key ingredients. During fermentation, some of the sugar is converted to alcohol. However, a portion remains unfermented to give the wine its sweetness. The sugar used by winemakers is typically natural sugar found in the Muscat grapes.

• Water

  Water is an essential component of every type of wine. For Moscato sparkling wine, water is used to extract the flavors of the Muscat grapes. It also helps to balance the concentration of sugar and acidity in the wine.

• Sulfur Dioxide

  Sulfur dioxide is used to preserve Moscato sparkling wine. It acts as a antioxidant that helps to prevent spoilage and oxidation. Additionally, Sulfur dioxide helps to kill off undesirable yeasts and bacteria during the winemaking process.

Tasting and Serving

The tasting and serving of Moscato sparkling wine will determine whether one is able to enjoy the full flavor experience of this wine. Below are some key factors to consider:

Tasting Notes

• Sweetness

  Moscato sparkling wine is known for its sweetness which comes from residual sugar. This wine has a range of sweetness from slightly sweet to dessert wine style.

• Fruitiness

  Moscato sparkling wine has fruity flavors that are typical of the Muscat grape. They include peach, apricot, and orange blossom. These flavors are more pronounced in Asti and other Italian variants of Moscato.

• Floral Aromas

  Moscato sparkling wine is known for floral aromas. Typical examples are rose and jasmine. These aromas add a delicate and captivating dimension to the wine.

• Juicy Acidity

  The acidity of moscato sparkling wine is juicy and refreshing. It balances the sweetness of the wine to ensure it does not become overly cloying. The vibrant acidity makes the wine taste fresh and lively on the palate.

• Subtle Fizziness

  Moscato sparkling wine has gentle bubbles that create a light and smooth mouth feel. The level of fizz is usually lower than that of brut or prosecco sparkling wines. This makes the wine feel more creamy and round on the tongue.

Serving Tips

• Chilling

  To fully enjoy the refreshing and fruity flavors of Moscato sparkling wine, serve it well chilled. Chill the wine to a temperature of between 6°C and 8°C before serving.

• Glassware

  Use tall wine glasses or flute glasses to serve Moscato sparkling wine. These glasses help to retain the bubbles and allow one to enjoy the wine's aromatic bouquet.

• Food Pairing

  Moscato sparkling wine can be served with a variety of foods. Its sweetness complements desserts like fruit tarts, cheesecake, and panna cotta. The wine’s fruity flavors also pair well with savory dishes such as foie gras, fresh fruit, or mild cheeses like ricotta and mascarpone.

• Occasions

  This sparkling wine is very versatile. It can be served during celebratory events such as weddings and New Year’s Eve. It can also be served casually as an afternoon refresher or during a picnic.

Benefits of Moscato Sparkling Wine

Moscato sparkling wine offers users several benefits. They include:

Heart Health

Moscato sparkling wine is good for the heart. This is because it contains a compound called resveratrol. This substance helps to reduce bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol in the body. Therefore, drinking Moscato sparkling wine in moderation can support heart health.

Rich in Antioxidants

Moscato sparkling wine is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and quercetin. These antioxidants help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are commonly known to cause aging and chronic diseases. In addition, quercetin helps to reduce inflammation and cellular damage, which is a benefit to overall health.

Good for Blood Sugar Regulation

Moscato sparkling wine has lower alcohol and sugar content compared to other wines. This makes it a suitable option for people who want to enjoy wine without significantly increasing their blood sugar levels. Therefore, it's a nice treat for people with diabetes who want to indulge in sweet wine.

Mood Booster

Moscato sparkling wine can help to boost the mood. This is because it produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for happiness and euphoria. Thus, drinking Moscato sparkling wine in moderate amounts can help to reduce stress, increase relaxation, and create positive feelings.

Social Benefits

Just like any other type of wine, Moscato sparkling wine can be consumed during social gatherings to enhance bonding. Sharing this sweet and bubbly wine with friends and loved ones can lead to enjoyable conversations, laughter, and memorable moments, deepening relationships and creating a sense of community.

How to Choose Quality Moscato Sparkling Wine

Choosing quality Moscato sparkling wine can be a rewarding venture as this wine is renowned for its refreshing sweetness. Below are some tips to help one select quality Moscato sparkling wines:

• Origin

  Choose this sparkling wine from Italy, especially from regions like Asti and Piedmont. Italian Moscatos are known for their authentic representation of the Muscat grape. They offer vibrant flavors and exemplary quality.

• Label Designation

  Look for bottles labeled Moscato d'Asti or Asti Spumante. Moscato d'Asti is famed for being semi-sweet and lightly sparkling. On the other hand, Asti Spumante is fully sparkling and sweeter, providing options based on personal preference for taste profiles.

• Winemaking Techniques

  Prefer bottles that indicate the method of fermentation. Wines that are fermented in stainless steel tanks are of better quality as they preserve the fresh fruit flavors of the Muscat grapes. Those made using the traditional method of fermentation may offer more complexity but are harder to find.

• Aging Potential

  Moscato sparkling wine is typically enjoyed when young to preserve its fruity freshness. Prefer wines with no more than 1-2 years of age in the bottle for a vibrant and lively taste. The exception to this rule is the Asti Spumante which can age for a few years to add complexity to the wine.

• Taste Profile

  Fruity flavors are a signature taste of quality Moscato sparkling wines. When selecting one, consider its tasting notes which may include flavors like peach, apricot, orange blossom, and honeysuckle. These flavors are usually more pronounced in wines labeled Moscato d’Asti.

Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between Moscato and Moscato sparkling wine?

A1: While both types of wine are made from the same Muscat grape, Moscato sparkling wine is a type of Moscato wine that has carbonation. This gives it a bubbly and sparkling texture. On the other hand, regular Moscato wine is still, meaning it doesn’t have any bubbles or fizz.

Q2: Can people with gluten intolerance drink Moscato sparkling wine?

A2: Yes, they can. This is because Moscato sparkling wine is naturally gluten-free since it is made from grapes. Therefore, people who avoid gluten for health reasons such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy Moscato sparkling wine without any worries.

Q3: How is Moscato sparkling wine carbonated?

A3: The most common method used to carbonate Moscato sparkling wine is by trapping carbon dioxide during fermentation. This is done by sealing the fermenting grape juice in containers. The yeast then produces carbon dioxide, which becomes trapped and creates bubbles in the wine.

Q4: What is the typical alcohol content of Moscato sparkling wine?

A4: Moscato sparkling wine typically has lower alcohol content compared to other sparkling wines. This is because the fermentation process leaves some sugar unconverted. Normally, the alcohol content ranges between 5% and 9% alcohol by volume (ABV).