Oh Sweet Thang: An Unusual Ode to Moscato
This goes out to all of the lovers of that sweet, sticky dessert wine from Italy.
Happy World Moscato Day, beloved.
I remember trying Moscato for the first time, and knowing immediately that it wasn't the white wine for me. It was unusually sweet for my own taste buds, but I noticed that a number of my friends seemed to enjoy it ridiculously.
That was when I discovered the inevitable: it was a dessert wine.
A WINE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SIPPED AND SAVORED WITH SWEET THINGS THAT TYPICALLY COME AFTER A FULL COURSE MEAL.
*My bad, y'all - let me chill on the roasting session*
Low in alcohol, high in sugar and a little fizzy on the palate, sipping moscato reminded me of eating one of those large ice pops I used to love as a kid. You know, the LONG ones you get from the big freezer from the corner store (or bodega) for about 50 cents?
Since learning that fun fact, I've reduced my Moscato in take significantly, but I do enjoy it from time to time on a nice, hot summer day.
Quick background on Moscato d'Asti: it comes from the muscat grape that is primarily grown in the northwest Italian providence Piedmont. Flavor profiles range from peach, pear and orange, and it actually pairs well with more than just dessert: the spice in Thai and Vietnamese food crave the sweet texture of Moscato. (I stand corrected then!)
Also, remember when hip-hop culture had a WILD obsession with Moscato from 2009-2013? You couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing rappers and R&B singers croon about how they were getting buzzed in the club off this Italian dessert wine.
But do you want to know why I really think Moscato was so popular? Because it was a (somewhat) fancy wine that didn't come with the big scary tannic structure, tastes good cold and it was easy to pronounce.
Aside from that, I do have thank Moscato for giving birth to some of the HOTTEST bops of that era: "No Hands" by Waka Flocka Flame featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale, "Do It Now" by Drake and "Get Paid" by Joey Bada$$. This period of time also encouraged Nicki Minaj, E-40 and T-Pain to start their own lines of moscato, too.
So there you have it - a sweet nod to a wine that I have grown to grin and bear when I sip it, but appreciate the way that it has paved an entry way for people to learn more about the wonderful world of wine.
And if you're looking for a few bottles to open tonight, peep this short list from Vinepair.
Cheers!
