FOR THE LOVE OF MUSCAT
Pinot Grigio has overtaken Chardonnay as the No.1 selling white in the US, but the wine with the biggest growth is Moscato. I love Moscato (Muscat in some countries) for the exotic/musky flavours and lighthearted feeling. It’s joyful, it’s fun and mostly affordable. Can be still, sparkling, mildly sweet or richly sweet, low in alcohol or fortified up to 20%. If that wasn’t confusing enough there are dozens of sub varieties and taste-alike cousins such as Gewurztraminer.
My advice is to dive in and not to worry about the details. You’ll be YUMMED into submission. For me, Moscato is best daytime, and between meals. But it does go really well with Sunday eggs. Hungover or not! Naturally Summer is its season.
First up let me tell you about two newcomers. McWilliams could not be more lighthearted. Low alcohol, semi sweet and perfect for afternoons on the deck or dock. Barefoot is California’s answer to Asti. Only better. Lovely mix of exotic flavours, sweetness and refreshing tang. Hard to imagine a more fun summer drink. A must for wedding receptions. Interestingly both of these wines are from the Gallo stable ““ which knows a thing or two about pleasing.
Don’t forget my longtime favourite Sparkling Moscato from Bottega. Super low alcohol and lots of “˜be happy’.
McWILLIAM’S 09 Hanwood Estate Moscato, Australia 212696 $12.95
BAREFOOT Bubbly Moscato, California 215061 $12.95
BOTTEGA Moscato “˜Petalo Il Vino Dell Amore’, Italy 588780 $12.3
