Moscato is a traditional white wine made from the Muscat grape. It originated in the Alsace region of France as a cross between Muscat d’Eisenstadt and Chasselas grapes, which is worth a closer look but not what this article is aimed at.
The purpose of this short read is to inform all wine enthusiasts that these famous green grapes are now being used to make both red and blush wine. This trendy drink has been the subject of many whispers around the wine community for a while but it seems to be picking up steam, especially in the west.
I’m here to answer a few simple questions about red Moscato, give you a few pairing ideas, and show you a couple of great examples you might want to add to your wine hitlist.
Is There Red Moscato?
Yes, red Moscato exists and is becoming more popular each year. Red Moscato is a sweet wine, which has many characteristics in common with white Moscato as it’s made from the same grape but with a darker skin pigment.
The taste of red Moscato is pleasant and refreshing. Ideal for a casual drink during the spring and summer months but also fantastic with food for lunch and dinner.
This wine can be served cold or at room temperature, depending on whether you prefer to have your beverage chilled or not.
What Does Red Moscato Taste Like?
The lighter-tasting red Moscato has a more subtle taste that appeals to people who might not appreciate the heavier flavors of traditional red wines.
Flavors of red Moscato can be described as sweet, fruity, and floral. It’s a medium-bodied wine with a smooth taste. Expect it to scream of mixed berries, sweet cherries with fruity tones, and a citrusy finish.
Difference Between the Flavor of White and Red Moscato
In general, red Moscato has a lighter and fruitier taste than white wine. This is because it has a higher acid content than white and, as such, is often seen as having a more refined taste.
It contains aromas considered very elegant, making it ideal for those who prefer to drink wine with dinner instead of just sipping on its own.
Best Red Moscato Examples
Red Moscato is produced in many countries around the world, but some of the best examples include:
Barefoot Red Moscato – A sweet yet refreshing wine containing wild fruits and cherry, raspberry, and peach flavors. It has high acidity, making it ideal for those who enjoy drier wines but want a little sweetness in their drink.
Beringer California Collection Red Moscato – Something every wine lover needs to try. A light body with a smooth taste. Expect flavors of sweet plum, dried raisins, apples, and a slightly tart aftertaste. Great to keep around for your next party!
Risata Il Rosso Red Moscato – This is a fantastic sparkling blush. Very light and sweet with a taste of strawberry and a touch of tanginess. It goes well with barbecue, chocolate, or your favorite type of cheese. I suggest serving slightly chilled.
Yellow Tail Red Moscato – A wonderful Australian delight. Exactly what you need on a hot day. Zingy and refreshing bursting with strawberry, raspberry, and cherry flavors.
What Food Pairs with Red Moscato?
Red Moscato is best served on its own or paired with a light tart fruit such as fresh berries or mangoes.
It would also go well alongside blue cheeses and anything sweet like a chocolate lava cake.
Since it is such a sweet wine, it can easily overpower other food if it isn’t served with something delicate. However, one of the unique ways to experience red Moscato would be to pair it with a fudge brownie or cookie.
The sweetness of both the wine and treat will make for a unique pairing that your guests are sure to ask about time after time.
How is Red Moscato Made?
We now know the drink is tasty and fit for a beautiful sunny day buy most will continue to wonder, how do you get red wine from green grapes?
Red Moscato is made from green Muscat grapes which have ripened past their peak. The longer these grapes stay on the vine the more they begin to take on a brownish and deep purple hue. Once they are picked the grapes are sundried.
During the drying process, they lose approximately 80% of their water content making them concentrated in flavor.
Red Moscato fermentation happens in open vats to allow the skins to impart their color, flavor, and aroma naturally.
The juice is then moved into oak barrels for aging, where it stays for six months to a year before being filtered, bottled, or shipped to stores around the world.
Red Moscato can also be made using the same grapes as regular white Moscato, but the grape juice is fermented longer with frequent stirring or shaking of the container so that more flavor and color is extracted from the grape skins.
Health Benefits of Red Moscato
Good for Skin
Red wine contains procyanidins that act as antioxidants in the body to help prevent cellular damage. It also helps lower bad cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of strokes and heart disease.
High Dose of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is found in red wine, specifically from grapes. It can aid in weight loss and improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
It can also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer due to the antioxidants that play a role in improving cell health and proper blood flow.
Reduces Chances of Type 2 Diabetes
Red wine may help reduce your chance of Type 2 Diabetes. The resveratrol and antioxidants in red wine help regulate healthy blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance.
If you already have Type 2 Diabetes, it can help improve blood circulation and provide nutrients to your cells to function correctly.
Improves Sleep
Red Moscato is believed to be an effective sleep aid due to its high melatonin, which is found in grapes and can help promote sleep due to its calming effect.
Drinking several glasses of red Moscato before sleeping can help induce sleep faster than other types of wine because it is lower in alcohol content, which means you will fall asleep faster if you drink red Moscato before bed.
Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Because it helps improve heart health, red Moscato may be able to prevent heart disease.
Antioxidants reduce the risks of developing hardening arteries and high cholesterol by lowering blood pressure, which can cause strokes and other cardiovascular problems.