7 best muscat wines for 2021

By far the most recognizable style of muscat wine, moscato d’asti originates from the Piedmont region of Italy. Light and frizzy (the Italian distinction that separates subtly sparkling wines from more intensely bubbling versions like franciacorta) this bottle offers flavors of summer fruit and white flowers that work perfectly at a garden party or as a pre-dinner refreshment.

With a delicate 5 percent alcohol by volume (for reference, the typical California Cabernet Sauvignon hovers between 13 and 15 percent), this pale gold sparkler with hints of tropical fruit is ideal for those between hours of work. in the afternoon or late evening when you crave a drink that won’t weigh you down or go to your head.

Notes of fresh rose and sticky green figs make this subtly bubbling wine a natural pairing for a cheese plate, a rich charcuterie or even a classic panettone.

More sparkling than asti moscato, styles of asti spumante share a similar flavor profile with a more robust bubble. If you’re looking for the perfect wine to sip by the pool, look no further.

Although the most famous style of muscat may originate from Italy, Italians are far from alone in realizing the appeal of muscat grapes. This bottle of California still dessert wine uses them to balance the natural sweetness of the fruit with crisp acidity that offsets the ring notes of citrus, honey and toasted nuts.

While “sweet” and “dry” may seem like polar opposites, this Alsatian Muscat strikes the perfect balance, underpinning the stone fruit and floral notes with enough acidity and crisp minerality to keep it from falling. never flat on the pallet.

With a deeper, more tannic note than most other Muscat wines and an intense sweetness (the Rutherglen style is one of the smoothest Muscat styles), this award-winning Australian bottle offers notes of dried fruit, sugar. caramelized and hints of wood and spices that make it perfect as a dessert pairing (or substitute).