California Muscat / Moscato

Muscat wines, also known as Moscato, are made in still, sparkling and dessert styles. California vintners use Muscat grapes to produce wines in shades of white, pink and red, ranging from dry to intensely sweet. Many winemakers use the grape to produce low-alcohol, spritzy white wines.

The Muscat grape has been grown around the Mediterranean for many centuries. In fact, Muscat Blanc — considered the most noble member of the Muscat family — may be the world’s oldest winegrape variety. Muscat Blanc is the grape most commonly used to make California Muscats/Moscatos, and is often characterized by aromas of Mandarin oranges, orange blossoms, Meyer lemon and pears. Other Muscat varieties include Muscat of Alexandria, Orange Muscat, Muscat Gaillo (sometimes called Giallo), Diamond Muscat and Summer Muscat.