Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does Muscat wine taste like, and is it always sweet?
A: Muscat is famous for big floral aromas, think rose, orange blossom, and ripe grape, with citrus and tropical fruit in the mix. It is not always sweet; Muscat can be made dry, off-dry, fully sweet, sparkling, or even dessert-style. If you like aromatic whites like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, Muscat is often a good next pick.
Q: How do I know if a Muscat is dry, off-dry, or sweet before I buy?
A: Look for clues like “dry,” “sec,” or “brut” for drier styles, and “late harvest,” “dessert,” or “Icewine” for sweeter ones. Alcohol can hint too, lower alcohol often shows up in sweeter, lighter-bodied Muscat wines. When in doubt, expect Muscat to taste fruit-forward, with the sweetness level depending on the style.
Q: What foods pair best with Muscat wines?
A: Muscat loves spicy and salty foods because its aromatics and fruit can calm heat and lift flavour. Try it with Thai takeout, jerk chicken, sushi, or a cheeseboard with tangy chèvre. Sweeter Muscat also works nicely with fruit desserts, butter tarts, or a simple bowl of berries.
Q: Who is the Muscat collection best for, beginners or wine nerds?
A: Honestly, both. Beginners tend to love Muscat because it is so aromatic and easy to “get” right away, even if you do not know a lot of wine terms. More experienced drinkers like it for its range, from crisp and dry to lush dessert styles.
Q: Is Muscat the same grape as Moscato, and why does it smell so “perfumey”?
A: Moscato is simply the Italian name for Muscat, so you are usually looking at the same grape family. That perfumey character is real grape aroma, not added flavour, and it comes through strongly in Muscat compared to many other varieties. Fun fact, Muscat is one of the oldest grape families, with loads of different clones and colours.
