30 Best Moscato Wines for Every Budget [Essential Picks in 2023]
Moscato's sweet and fruit-forward flavor profile makes it one of the most accessible wines around.
Produced from the Muscat grape, with its origins in ancient Greece, it's commonly used in dessert wines and wines with a sweeter profile.
But what are the best Moscato wines available in 2023?
We've compiled an ultimate guide to our favorite moscato wine brands and their best bottles down below.
There's also a quick guide to Muscat grape varieties for those that want to dig a bit deeper.
Our 30 Recommended Moscato Wines
If you're a fan of Moscato, then in our opinion, these are the wines that should be next on your shopping list!
These aren't just good Moscato wines, these are excellent Moscatos!
30. Quady Red Electra Moscato Muscat Blend 2014
First released in 2000, the Red Electra Moscato evokes flavors of pomegranate, cherries, and berries.
Made with a combination of Black Muscat and rare Orange Muscat grapes, it is fermented at low temperatures to retain that fruity cherry burst that it's known for.
Best paired with chocolate desserts and cheeses, it's low alcohol content of 5.5% ABV makes it a great base for sangria and sorbets too.
Check the latest price now on Wine.com
29. Vietti Moscato d'Asti 2020
Hailing from the Piemonte region of Italy and made with Moscato Bianco grapes, this is a Moscato d’Asti that's hard to beat on value for money.
With a tantalisingly refreshing flavor and aroma of lightly spiced peach and ginger, this Moscato d’Asti is delicately sweet with a well balanced acidity.
It goes really well with Asian food, seafood, and fruity desserts.
Check the latest price now at Wine.com
28. Castello del Poggio Moscato Provincia di Pavia
With pleasant aromas of flowers, peaches, and apples, this Moscato is best enjoyed with light desserts.
At 7% ABV, it's a little bit punchier than your average Moscato but retains the grape's natural sugars for that distinctive light sweetness that the best Moscato wines all have.
Wonderfully aromatic and distinctly fruity, it's always one of our favorites.
27. Stella Rosa Moscato D’Asti Italian Sparkling Wine
With delicate flavors of pear, peach and wild flowers, this sweet Moscato is bright golden in color.
Lightly sweet with gentle bubbles, it's a lovely summer's evening drink that's best enjoyed with friends.
It pairs well with fish, fruit, salads, cheese and also desserts like vanilla ice cream and apple or apricot based dishes.
Check out the latest price on Wine.com
26. Bartenura Moscato
Slightly sparkling and semi-sweet, this Italian Moscato has aromatic notes of flowers, sweet honey and melon.
The fruity finish lingers long on the tongue with pear and apricot flavors prominent.
It's great with most desserts and also as the perfect summer drink.
Check the latest price now at wine.com
25. Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta Felice Moscato d'Asti 2020
Evoking aromas of spring blossom and wild herbs, this Moscato comes from the Monferrato region, well known for beautiful sparkling dessert wines.
With refreshingly light and sweet fruits on the palate, pear, honeysuckle, and melon are prominent alongside a light sparkle. A well balanced acidity pushed the fruit front and forward.
This is the best Moscato d'Asti we've tried in years!
24. Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato 2020
There aren't many Australian Moscatos that can compete with the Italians but this is one of them.
Evoking aromas of blackcurrant and cotton candy, this lightly sparkling, semi sweet Moscato goes down very easily!
Made from old vine Gordo and Black Muscat grapes, it's best paired with berry based desserts or gorgonzola cheese.
It's one of the best pink Moscatos out there right now!
Related: If you love sweet wines then don't miss our guide to inexpensive sweet reds!
23. Centorri Moscato 2020
Vegan friendly Centorri Moscato is a firm favorite of ours here at wineturtle.com.
It's just a little bubbly but very sweet. If you're looking for the sweetest Moscato that remains delicious then this is probably it. It has 120 g/L of residual sugar which is definitely on the higher side.
It has an aroma full of fruit with lemon zest and peaches dominating the nose. It tastes very similar to the nose which is a lovely surprise. It goes great with spicy food and desserts.
Check out the latest price now.
22. Ceretto Santo Stefano Moscato d'Asti 2020
This classic Moscato d'Asti is made with organically grown grapes and is an excellent dessert wine or aperitif.
It's very fruity and aromatic and the medium sweetness is wonderfully balanced with a bit of acidity for a nice freshness.
Peach and melon dominate the nose and honey comes through on the finish. It's a really delicious Moscato d'Asti.
It pairs really well with fruity deserts and also makes a mean cocktail!
Check out the latest price at wine.com now.
21. Ricco Cherry Moscato
We're yet to find anyone that doesn't like this cherry Moscato! It's very difficult to put down and very hard to say no to.
The natural ripe Italian cherry flavor is divine and compliments the natural Moscato fruitiness perfectly.
Semi-sweet with balanced acidity and a lovely richness, there are light tickling bubbles on the tongue too.
It's the prefect aperitif or cocktail base but it also goes really well with food. Chocolate desserts are our ideal pairing but goat's cheese is a surprising hit too. Delicious!
20. Saracco Moscato d'Asti 2020
This aromatic Moscato has peach, pear, orange, and apple on the nose.
Medium sweet, quite acidic, and full bodied, it's very well balanced.
The fruity aromas of the Muscat grapes are present on the tongue.
It pairs really well with fruit-based desserts, pastries and cakes. It also goes really well with cheeses, especially gorgonzola.
Check the latest price on wine.com.
19. Quady Essensia Orange Muscat 2018
This one is full-bodied and rich with orange and peach coming through strongly on the nose. There's definitely an ode to orange marmalade going on here and if marmalade is your thing then don't miss out on this wonderful Moscato!
Made with Orange Muscat grapes, it's a real treat paired with chocolate desserts.
It comes from the famous Quady Winery in California that's been making Essensia for well over 20 years now.
If you want to try Orange Muscat grapes (which can be hard to come by) then Quady Winery is one of perfect Moscato wine brands to do so with. They make a couple of great wines with these grapes.
18. Marcarini Moscato d'Asti 2020
Coming from a winery that dates back to the 1700s the Marcarini Moscato is low in alcohol with a natural sweetness and frizzante on the palate.
At just 5.5% alcohol and with plenty of acidity, there's a lovely freshness to this wine despite it being a dessert wine.
It goes really well with rich, creamy desserts and pastries.
17. Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscato d'Asti 2019
With intense orange blossom and peach on the nose that makes its way to the palate, this is another marmalade lovers dream.
The natural Moscato grape sweetness is balanced by acidity which makes it refreshing and delicate.
It's ideal as a dessert wine but it's the perfect thirst quenching summer sipper too. The low alcohol content means you might need more than 1 bottle though!
16. Fontanafredda Briccotondo Moscato d'Asti 2019
With sage, musk, and orange blossom coming through on the nose, this is a wonderfully floral Italian Moscato.
They typical natural sweetness is there but it's balanced well. Fresh grapes and honey are present on the tongue.
At just 5% alcohol, it goes down incredibly easily on summer evenings!
15. Stella Rosa Platinum
Produced by Il Conte Winery in Piedmont region in Italy, Stella Rosa Platinum is a delicious semi-sweet sparkling Moscato wine.
Stella Rosa Platinum is a full-bodied wine with crisp green apple, elderflower and vanilla flavors.
This wine is produced from a blend of Muscat grapes, its semi-sweet flavor making this wine perfect as an aperitif or as a dessert wine.
Stella Rosa Platinum can also be successfully used for wine-based cocktails.
14. Quinta Nova Pomares Moscatel 2014
From the sunny hills of Portugal, this awesome Moscato wine is able to conquer the heart of any wine lover.
Quinta Nova Pomares Moscatel 2014 is produced from the Muscat Blanc grape variety and it is characterized by a greenish-yellow color and a fruity aroma.
This wine has an intense flavor with notes of lychee, tropical fruits, and citrus. The balance is given by a crisp freshness and a well-integrated acidity.
It represents an excellent choice for fish and seafood dishes, as well as for desserts.
13. Torres Viña Esmeralda 2014
A unique, refreshing and delicate wine from the Catalonia region of Spain is this Torres Viña Esmeralda 2014.
Muscat Blanc forms the basis of this exceptionally fragrant wine that fully maintains the fruity properties of the grapes.
This wine is characterized by floral and fruity fragrances such as acacia honey, citrus, passion fruit, and lime blossom.
It is balanced by a delicate acidity and perfect to pair with seafood and fish dishes or appetizers.
12. Brooks Terue Dry Muscat 2010
Not many expect to find an excellent Moscato produced in a region famous for its Pinot Noirs, but Brooks’ Winery reserves a surprise.
In addition to fine Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, this winery impresses the wine lovers with this Brooks Terue Dry Muscat 2010.
This wine has an inspiring floral-fruity fragrance and an incredible flavor of banana, lychee, mango, peach, tangerines and almonds.
You can pair it with Asian dishes or with delicate desserts. This wine also represents an excellent choice for appetizers or fish dishes.
11. Zind-Humbrecht Muscat 2013
A surprising wine, the result of a succession of very wet and very dry periods, including a violent hailstorm, is this Zind-Humbrecht Muscat 2013 produced in Alsace, France.
As a result of the particular climate conditions, the Muscat grapes used for this particular wine were less sweet than normal and characterized by a higher acidity that can be noticed in the palate of this splendid dry Moscato.
This wine has delicate fruity-floral aromas and it is produced from a blend of Muscat d’Alsace and Muscat Ottonel. Perfect to pair with light fish dishes and vegetable dishes.
10. Ruffino Moscato d'Asti 2014
Probably one of the most famous Moscato wines in the world is Moscato D’Asti, and Ruffino Winery knew how to give even more value to such a fine wine.
The Ruffino Moscato D'Asti 2014 is a slightly sparkling sweet white wine with distinctive aromas of orange blossom and peach.
This is a very versatile Moscato wine, being ideal as anaperitif, served with Italian antipasti such as salami and cheese plates, melon and prosciutto or with delicate desserts.
In addition, this wine represents an excellent choice for spicy Asian dishes.
9. Jaboulet Beaumes de Venise Muscat 2012
With a history of almost 200 years, Paul Jaboulet Aîné is one of the most famous wineries in Rhône region in France.
Known for their high-quality wines, Jaboulet impresses with this Jaboulet Beaumes de Venise Muscat 2012 produced exclusively from the Muscat Blanc variety.
This wine is characterized by a crystal clear hue and a very intense bouquet. The main aromas of peach, apricot, lychee and mango are perfectly balanced while the flavor successfully maintains all the characteristics of the freshly picked Muscat grapes.
Excellent as anaperit if or on its own, this wine can also be paired with fish dishes, chicken or desserts.
8. Don Rodolfo Moscato 2015
We couldn't possible leave this excellent Moscato wine from the list. It's produced in the Rioja region in Argentina by Don Rodolfo Winery.
This particular wine is the result of the excellent climatic conditions which allowed the Muscat grapes to mature faster.
The result is this sweet wine characterized by a strong fruity flavor with honeysuckle and peach aromas. In addition to the high-quality grapes, this wine is entirely handcrafted.
The dedication and hard work created this delicious wine that you can pair with Asian foods, especially with Chinese dishes or other spicy dishes.
7. Caposaldo Moscato
Light and delicious, produced from white Muscat grapes in the Lombardy region ,this Italian Moscato strikes with its low alcohol concentration and flavor.
The history of this wine begins with the production of a soft and elegant sparkling sweet Moscato with fresh flavors of honeysuckle, citrus, and peach.
This distinctive wine that can be paired with light desserts such as fresh sorbets, pastries or fresh fruits and fruit salads. The elegant packaging makes this wine perfect for a gift too.
You can buy it now at wine.com
6. Rosatello Moscato
Another excellent Moscato wine from the Lombardy region is this Rosatello Moscato produced by the Rosatello Winery.
This wine is perfect for any occasion, having intense aromas of mint, citrus, peach and candied oranges.
This wine is light and crisp, being perfect to pair with light desserts and fruit salads or to be used for the preparation of wine-based cocktails.
However, the fresh aromas make this wine perfect to be served with appetizers as well, being an excellent choice for plates of dry fruits and cheese.
5. Bodegas Jorge Ordonez Malaga Botani Old Vines Moscatel 2018
A delicious and versatile Moscato produced exclusively from the Muscat of Alexandria variety is this Bodegas Botani Moscato 2018.
This is a dry Moscato with a fresh and smooth taste and floral-fruity aromas of mandarin, apple, orange and wilted flowers. The fermentation, partially made in oak barrels, gives the wine a beautiful pale straw color.
This wine pairs perfectly with fish, shellfish and seafood dishes, as well as with Asian foods and spicy Indian dishes.
However, this Bodegas Botani Moscato 2018 can be successfully served as an aperitif or simply as a refreshing white wine.
4. St. Supery Moscato 2014
Made of Muscat Canelli variety, this opulent sweet Moscato boasts dominant aromas of peach blossom and mandarin. The flavor is fresh and sweet, with delicate hints of orange zest, peach, and nectarine.
Produced as a dessert wine, this Moscato is more versatile than one might think. In fact, it can be paired with many salty dishes, such as fruit and cheese platters, grilled fish or exotic dishes such as chicken with pineapple sauce.
When it comes to desserts, this wine is perfect for cheesecakes or fruit salads.
3. Yalumba Museum Reserve Muscat
This Museum Reserve Muscat from Yalumba Winery is hands down one of the best Moscato wines available on the market right now.
This premium fortified sweet wine is made of the red and pink clones of the Petite Grain variety and aged for many years in oak barrels.
The characteristics of this deep tawny red wine are the rich flavors of raisin and candied fruits, spices, and nuts.
The flavor has an incredible persistence and the aromas remind of rose petals, caramelized orange and toffee. This wine is perfect for desserts, being successfully paired with chocolate cakes or caramel mousse.
2. SteinFamily Magic Hour White Moscato 2011
The Magic Hour White Moscato 2011 is a red “white” Moscato wine, made of a blend of Muscat Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
The wine is characterized by intricate aromas of strawberry, cherry, cherry compote and raspberry pie and by intense flavors of sweet strawberry and red cherry.
This fresh “Rosato” Moscato was created to be enjoyed with almost all foods, including meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Paired with pork or lamb dishes, this wine will add a fresh note to your dinner.
1. Quady Elysium Black Muscat 2014
Definitely less famous than the white varieties, the Black Muscat grapes can be successfully used for the production of excellent Moscato wines too.
One fine example of black Moscato is this Elysium Black Muscat 2014 from the Quady Winery.
The history of this lightly fortified wine begins with years of hard work and dedication that led to the production of this excellent Moscato wine with flavors of lychee, cherry, and strawberry.
The floral-fruity aroma reminds of roses and strawberries. This wine can be paired with cheese, especially with goat cheese and with various desserts, such as cheesecakes, chocolate cakes, and puddings.
A truly amazing variety of moscato wine!
The 6 Main Muscat Grape Varieties
Muscat grapes have always been some of the most common grape varieties in the Mediterranean basin.
In the Middle Ages these grapes spread in northern Europe, especially in France, and with the passage of time, they slowly gained popularity all over the world.
This popularity is easily explained by the intense aroma and sweet taste of these grapes, which make them ideal for the production of dry or sweet dessert wines, both sparkling and still.
So, let’s see which are the most popular Muscat varieties.
1. Muscat Blanc
The most appreciated variety, as well as the most widespread in Europe and not only, is the Muscat Blanc.
The grapes have a greenish-yellow color and a characteristic sweet and aromatic flavor.
The wines produced with Muscat Blanc have a crisp and pleasantly sweet flavor with an intense fruity after taste of apple, citrus, and peach.
They have a low alcohol concentration of about 11-12% (and sometimes much lower) and are traditionally served with desserts.
2. Golden Muscat
This variety of Muscat differs from the first one in color, skin thickness and dimension of the grape berries.
In fact, these berries are larger, their skin is definitely thicker and the color is a golden yellow. These grapes are usually used for the production of sweet sparkling Moscato wines.
However, some wineries use this variety of Muscat for the production of still dry wines, the result being a fresh wine that preserves the typical aroma of the grape.
3. Muscat Rose
This is a very rare variety of Muscat characterized by a pink-purple skin and a strong aroma of roses and flowers rather than fruits.
The grapes are usually seedless and used for the production of sweet dessert wines.
Recommended: Don't miss our guide to Whispering Angel Rosé next.
4. Muscat of Alexandria
These grapes of Egyptian origins probably have the largest berries in the Muscat family.
They have a green color and a very thick skin. Widespread in the Mediterranean basin, the Muscat of Alexandria is mainly used for the production of full-body wines with intense aromas of candied apricots, figs, and orange marmalade.
5. Black Muscat
Also known as Muscat of Hamburg, this is a rare variety characterized by an almost black purplish color.
Typically used as table grapes, this variety is also used in a few parts of the world for the production of extremely fine sweet red wines.
In addition to these main varieties, around the world are cultivated many other varieties of Muscat grapes, each of them with distinctive characteristics and flavors.
6. Orange Muscat
This is a type of white grape and not a particularly common grape used in the production of Moscato.
Quady Winery in Santa Barbara, California makes the Essencia (#19 in our list) and Red Electra (#30 in our list) which are two very popular Moscatos made with Orange Muscat grapes, but little else exists.
These wines have a beautiful aroma of orange and peach which are the dominant flavors too. We call this grape the 'marmalade lovers dream' as the distinctive orange flavor is reminiscent of sweet orange jam.
Conclusion
As you can see, when it comes to Moscato wine, there is a myriad of choices available.
The different Muscat grape varieties each give their own individual twist on great Moscato wine. The blanc, orange, and black grapes are distinctly different but each have the theme of floral sweetness running through them.
If you're a Moscato fan, we recommend trying the different Muscat grape varieties. It will be a really fun tasting experience for you. And who doesn't want to drink more Moscato!?
We can't wait to hear what you think down in the comments section!
What's your favorite? Have we missed a good one?
