Moscato is a smooth, sweet, easy-drinking Italian white wine that is widely enjoyed by so many. If you’re a fan of the sweet, aromatic flavors of Moscato wine, there are plenty of other wine varietals you may like just as much!
In this article, we are going to go over some great options for Moscato lovers who are looking to expand their wine palate or have a good backup choice (or two!) if Moscato isn’t on the wine list at their favorite restaurant.
Riesling
A Riesling is almost always a great option for Moscato lovers. Oftentimes, you will find that a fan of one is a fan of the other. Moscato and Riesling are the most common varietals for sweet white wine lovers and they tend to have a similar flavor profile.
Typically, this German wine is sweet and bursting with the juicy fruit flavors of apples, peaches, and lemon.
Both Riesling and Moscato are best paired with Asian cuisine and spicy foods like Thai foods and curry dishes. The sweetness in the wine counteracts the spice for a great tasting experience.
Riesling grapes are grown in several different regions but are most commonly found in Germany, France, California, New York, and Washington. To ensure you are getting a sweet wine that is most similar to Moscato, you want a German or California Riesling.
Gewurztraminer
Another sweet white wine from Germany that will satisfy a Moscato lover is Gewurztraminer. This notoriously hard to pronounce varietal is a great choice if you’re looking to branch out from drinking Moscato.
With notes of lychee fruit, pears, peaches, and even honey, Gewurztraminer is full of great flavor and all the sweetness you’re looking for if you love Moscato. It has even been hailed the “grown-up version of Moscato” due to its similar tasting notes and sweetness.
Gewurztraminer grapes originated in Germany, but over the years they have come to be harvested all over the Alps region of Europe. They tend to grow best in cooler climates, so they are grown in Northern California, New York, and Washington as well.
A great thing about Gewurztraminer is that it pairs well with so many different foods. Similar to Moscato, the sweetness of the wine lends itself well to pairing with rich, spicy flavors like Indian or Asian dishes.
Pinot Grigio
When most people think of white wine, Pinot Grigio is typically one of the first wines you think of. It is found on most restaurant wine lists, at the bar at almost every wedding, and is widely loved. Pinot Grigio is a slightly sweet, approachable wine that most Moscato lovers would enjoy.
One thing that Moscato and Pinot Grigio have in common is the place they originally call home. Pinot Grigio is made from Pinot Gris grapes that were originally grown in Italy. The names Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio can be used interchangeably to refer to this wine.
Because it is one of the top wine varietals in the world, Pinot Grigio is made in many different countries including France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Chile, Canada, and Hungary. It is also grown stateside in Oregon, California, and Washington.
Pinot Grigio is a very flavorful white wine varietal. It usually has notes of Honeycrisp apple, lemon, and peach. It pairs well with seafood, soft cheeses, summer salads, and dishes with a cream sauce.
Pinot Grigio can vary in terms of sweetness depending on where the grapes were grown and how the wine itself was made. Your best bet as a Moscato lover is finding a French Pinot Gris. These are the sweetest of the Pinot Grigio options on the market.
Chenin Blanc
Although you may not have heard much about Chenin Blanc, this white wine is a great one to try if you love Moscato. It may not be as sweet as the Moscato that you’re used to, but Chenin Blanc is often marketed as a dessert wine and definitely falls on the sweeter side.
This French wine originally hails from the Loire Valley and is best known for being one of the most versatile white wines available. It is a popular blending grape, but it can also be found on its own.
The sweetest Chenin Blancs come from South Africa, which will be most like a Moscato.
With notes of honey, apple, pear, orange, almond, and noticeable hints of mineral flavor that it picks up from the soil, Chenin Blanc is a unique wine. It can range from slightly dry to sweeter and can be found in both oaked and unoaked varieties.
Chenin Blanc is a great dinner wine because it pairs effortlessly with most foods. It is great with pork, turkey, and chicken dishes as it nicely complements the flavors. This would be a great wine if you like Moscato but want to try something different while out for dinner.
Prosecco
If you are a fan of a more effervescent Moscato style like Moscato d’Asti, then Prosecco would be a great alternative to try. This sweet Italian bubbly is the perfect varietal to try and is easy to find almost anywhere.
Prosecco is quite simply the Champagne of Italy. It is made in a similar way and shares all of the easy-drinking, glass-clinking features of Champagne. However, because it was grown and produced in Italy instead of the Champagne region of France it needs its own name.
If you’re looking for a sweet wine that also feels celebratory and high-end, look no further than Prosecco. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a fun cocktail like an Aperol Spritz or a Mimosa.
Bursting with flavors of melon, peach, apple, honeycomb, tropical fruits, and cream, Prosecco is loaded with flavor and sweetness that would appeal to even Moscato purists. It is perfect on its own for a toast with friends or it can pair well with a charcuterie board or even a curry dish.
Prosecco has become trendy and popular with fans of bubbly in recent years because it offers the feeling of luxury at a more affordable price point. You can find an excellent Prosecco at a liquor store for under $15 per bottle.
