International Moscato Day
Photo credit: Winemakers CUT
There is no wine more aromatic or fragrant than Muscat. It’s also possible that no other wine is as ostracized. Let's give it some love today, as we celebrate International Moscato Day!
One of the oldest known grape varieties for wine production, it is believed to have originated in early Greece. Today Muscat is found around the world in many styles, from dry to sweet, sparkling, and even fortified. Muscat has a distinct aroma profile of orange blossom and honeysuckle overlaying ripe citrus, apple, and pear. It’s often described as intensely ‘grapey.’ So flirtatious and jovial, it’s similar to Viognier or Gewürztraminer, but in Muscat the intensity is cranked up to 11. The grape is probably most famous for the sweet sparkling wines of Moscato d’Asti (Moscato is simply the Italian name for the grape). Muscat can also be included in small amounts (along with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon) in Sauternes, one of the world’s great dessert wines from Bordeaux.
Many different varieties exist, but the most common one we see on the market is Muscat Blanc. As sweeter wines continue to suffer in popularity in our wine culture, Muscat is seldom seen in BC but there are a few treasures to be found for the pleasure seeker. There are some 100% Muscat still and sparkling wines, a few fortified versions, and most often you will see it included in a white blend.
Perhaps the aromas are just too intense for some, or the apprehension of expecting a sweet wine (God forbid) turns them away. I, for one, will never turn down a Muscat, and it’s one of my wife’s go-to wines any time of year. Just try and evaluate each wine on its own merit, and definitely uncouple the association of ‘sweet’ with ‘cheap.’ Muscat is often (but not always) made with some naturally remaining sugars in the wine to help balance all the aromatics which can be bitter or soapy on their own. Imagine a Gin & Tonic or Mojito without any sweetness!
A sweet, sparkling Moscato is a delightful way to end a special meal, either at home or dining out. Pairing options are surprisingly diverse as well - from cheesecake to Thai curry. The ambrosial quality of the wine lends itself to indulgence, much like a rich Meritage or earthy Pinot. Same, but different.
Featured wine | Winemaker’s CUT 2024 Muscat | Yakima Valley AVA, Washington
This producer normally makes a Muscat from Okanagan-grown fruit. Typical for this most fragrant variety, the 2024 Muscat from Sugar Loaf vineyard was pressed without skin contact and fermented in 100% stainless steel. The wine is nearly colourless with a barely-there pale straw hue. Expect a spirited aromatic presentation of orange blossom, honeysuckle, plum, apple, and lemon-lime spritzer. The off-dry palate has ripe acidity and is 100% fruit character, crisp and clean. A herald of summer.
Some other BC Muscat wines to look for:
Summerhill Pyramid 2023 Muscat Biodynamic
Gray Monk 2022 Muscat Reflection
Blue Grouse Non-Vintage Fortified Black Muscat
Bartier Bros 2022 Muscat
La Frenz Non-Vintage Liqueur Muscat
Bordertown Sparkling Moscato
Taste the magic of Muscat, and celebrate by opening a bottle made in BC!
This Blog Post was written by our contributor: Matt Tinney with MT Wine Consulting (@mtwineconsulting).