Pairing Chocolate and Moscato/Muscat

Fine Dessert Wines

Also known as Moscato, Muscatel or Muscadel, Muscat is a fragrant dessert wine produced as both a sweet semi-sparkling wine (Moscato d’Asti) or a sweet still wine. Muscat wines are produced in many countries including Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and smaller countries like Greece, Moldova, Lebanon and Slovenia to name a few. The Muscat grape itself can range in color from white to black and are high in sugars and flavonoids (antioxidants).

Sweet Moscato and Moscato d’Asti wines are very good served chilled on their own as a refreshing summertime wine. Also very good with lighter Thai dishes or other spicey dishes, as the sweetness offsets some of the spiciness. Moscato wines pair beautifully with light or mild fruit or creamy desserts, blue or cheddar cheese, biscotti, fois gras, nuts, pannetone, meringues, souffles, berries or even chocolate. When produced as a dry white wine, Muscat is high in acidity with orange blossoms, lemon-lime, grapefruit and citron in the nose, but on the palate it is crisp, tart, dry and refreshing. Dry muscat is a perfect aperitif or cheese wine. Moscato/Muscat pairs best with smooth white chocolate, as this sweet dessert wine compliments smooth and sweet white chocolate.