Let's be honest, just the sheer name brings the biggest smile to some, and the biggest groan out of others. Many will remember their adventure into wine loving by starting off with Moscato from the convenience store. They will discuss the headaches, the super sweet fizzy fun of their younger days, as they sit sipping their intensely bold Cabernet. Others swear they will never stop drinking it, and revel in the fact that our store sells so many different varieties. Then there are the few purists, the ones who will absolutely swear up and down, that Moscato isn't really a wine. Never was there a varietal that really sparks so many intense feelings.
Here at The Grape, we get it. We hear it all day. It's fun. Even Merlot didn't get the rep after the movie, Sideways, that Moscato seems to get these days. But do many people know of the rich history of Moscato? Or how amazing Moscato is from Texas?!
Let's start at the beginning.
The Muscat grape was most prominently grown in the Piedmont region of Italy, and possibly originated in the Middle East or Greece. That solely depends on who you ask, or what you read. Certain Muscat varieties can also be eaten as a table grape. Traditionally, Moscato is light, fizzy and sweet with low alcohol. If you have noticed, all of the sudden, that Moscato has really risen in popularity, you aren't alone. In doing some research on the grape, we were surprised to hear that Hip Hop music has played a surprising role in the increased popularity. We suppose we shouldn't be surprised. Look what happened to Cristal sales in the 90's. But we always figured it was because everyone who goes to Olive Garden is offered a sample of their house Moscato.
Texas is BIG on the Moscato scene! So many don't realize just how much Moscato Texas grows. Typically, the wines here in Texas are definitely higher in alcohol than the rest of the world. Typically, Moscato feature 5-8% ABV. Texas will start at around 10%, and we find that the average is about 12.5% Be warned. You may also find that Texas Moscato isn't as sweet because of the higher ABV. Here at The Rustic Grape, our most popular Moscato is actually from Kiepersol, and it features flavors of crisp alcohol and sits high at 13.2%. We have a truly classic Italian style in Val Verde's Muscat Canelli. Then, just to throw you for a loop, we feature Opal, by Majek Vineyards. An off dry Orange Muscat and Muscat Blanc blend that is all the latest rage for drinkers of all styles of wine, and Kitty from Pillar Bluff is a great version of sweet Orange Muscat. Orange Muscat is our favorite version of Moscato grape that is grown in Texas. When it is ready to harvest, the entire vineyard will smell of Orange Blossoms, and it's easy to pick up on the delicate flavor, as well.
Prominent flavors of Moscato are peach, nectarine, honeysuckle and orange. Most people drink Moscato without eating, but have you paired Moscato? If not, you are truly missing out on literal fireworks in your mouth! Our favorite foods to pair with Moscato is Chinese food, or spicy Thai, or a super tangy Key Lime Pie. Try it! You won't be disappointed. Sweet wines go very well with spicy, as it balances the intensity in your mouth,
We invite you down to The Rustic Grape to include a couple of Moscato wines on your tasting. You just may be pleasantly surprised. Cheers!
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