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Moscato

Of all the wine trends witnessed in recent years (think White Zin in the ‘80s and the rise of New Zealand-style Sauvignon Blanc in the past decade), none of them compare to the phenomenal growth in Moscato consumption that has occurred since 2009.

According to recent Neilson ratings, Moscato sales rose 70 percent in 2011 over the previous year, culminating in about $300 million in sales (compared to $100 million in 2009). And that is on top of 100 percent growth for the category in 2010. In fact, the research group Wine Market Council estimates that even if growth in 2012 settles down to 50 percent, Moscato is on track to overtake Sauvignon Blanc and White Zinfandel, becoming America’s sixth most popular varietal wine.

So what is Moscato? Moscato is the Italian name of a varietal wine made from a white grape from the ancient Muscat family. The official name of the grape is Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, but as it is grown throughout the world, it has many synonyms including: Muscat Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Muscat Frontignan, Moscato Bianco, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat d’Alsace, Muskateller, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Moscatel Rosé, Muscat Lunel, Sárgamuskotály, Moscatell de gra petit and Yellow Muscat. The grapes grow in tight, small berry clusters and typically thrive in areas where the days are very hot, and the night time temperatures are dramatically cooler.

Although Muscat Blanc is grown worldwide, it is the Italian style of the wine, Moscato, that is spurring the growth of consumption in the United States and other parts of the world. Known in Italy as Moscato Bianco, the grape is made into many styles, from dry to sticky-sweet, and can be bubbly or still, as well. Probably the most well-known wines made from Moscato Bianco are the fully sparkling ones from Asti, the home of Asti Spumante. However, the style of wines that are currently the most popular are the ones that are only slightly fizzy (frizzante as the Italians would say) or completely still.

Whether frizzante or still, the real appeal of any well-made Moscato is the slight sweetness, aromas and flavors typical of the varietal. These include notes of honey, flowers, citrus, melon, apples and especially peach or other stone fruits. Couple the flavors and sweetness with balanced acidity, then throw in relatively low alcohol (no more than 5.5 percent in moscato d’Asti is allowed by law) and a suggested retail price that seldom exceeds $12 and you can see why the wine is an easy choice for every type of wine drinker.

St Supery Moscato Napa Valley 2011

Appearance: pale straw color

Aroma: tons of ripe tropical fruit, with peach and apricot tones

Flavors: stone fruit, white peach, ripe apple, orange zest, passion fruit and a bit of pineapple

Finishing Notes: on the sweet side but not cloying, invites another sip

Perfect Pairing: While this moscato is a great aperitif on its own, we would suggest a nice dessert such as a Door County fruit cobbler or crisp for a pairing and the perfect accompaniment would be a nice large slice of New York style cheesecake with some fresh strawberries on top!

WINE:30 is written by Karl Bradley and Jody Wuollett, who are both longtime residents of Door County. Jody is the owner operator of Chop Restaurant in the Sister Bay Country Walk Shops and Karl is the General Manager and Executive Chef of the Mission Grille in Sister Bay. They have both been awarded the first level of certification from the Court of the Master Sommeliers.