Prosecco Vs Moscato: Know the Difference
Introduction
You might have noticed that Moscato and Prosecco tend to go hand in hand in many conversations. But here’s the twist – apart from their Italian roots, these two don’t share too many similarities.
Well, that is, until we throw Moscato d’Asti into the mix – but we’ll circle back to that in a bit. Nevertheless, both these wines have a special place in our hearts and wine racks (though Prosecco might hog a bit more of the spotlight).
Today, we will learn what is the difference between Prosecco and Moscato.
Table of Contents
Similarities Between Prosecco and Moscato
Let’s explore what do Moscato and Prosecco wines have in common:
Origins
Prosecco is primarily produced in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy.
Moscato is made in various regions around the world, but one of the most well-known varieties, Moscato d’Asti, originates from the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy.
Flavors
Prosecco and Moscato are known for their fruity and floral flavors. Prosecco often exhibits notes of apple, ripe pear, and citrus fruits, while Moscato typically offers fruity and floral aromas, with hints of peach, apricot, honeydew melon, and orange blossom.
Aging
It’s best to drink Prosecco and Moscato when they’re young, not too long after they’re made. For Moscato, it’s usually at its best within two years.
Prosecco remains excellent for up to three years. Some high-quality Prosecco can even age well for seven years. Moscato can also surprise you by aging for up to five years, although it’s less common.
Rosé Varieties
Both Prosecco and Moscato have rosé variations. Rosé Prosecco has an appealing pink color and vibrant fruitiness, making it a modern favorite among wine lovers.
On the other hand, Moscato d’Asti features a delicate pink counterpart, capturing the enchanting essence of pink Moscato.
Differences Between Prosecco and Moscato
Now, let’s talk about the differences between these two wines:
Grapes
Prosecco wine is made primarily from the Glera grapes, although it can also contain small proportions of other grape varieties.
The primary grapes used in Moscato wines are the Muscat grapes, known for their intense and aromatic qualities. In Italy, Moscato d’Asti is made predominantly from the Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc) grape variety.
Bubbles
Prosecco wines are typically effervescent, often displaying full sparkling or semi-sparkling characteristics.
Moscato wines are predominantly still, although occasional variations may have a slight effervescence. Moscato d’Asti, in particular, falls into the semi-sparkling wine category.
Popularity
Prosecco is a well-loved, legally protected wine in Italy, with strict standards for its cultivation and crafting. It’s one of the well-recognized and widely appreciated sparkling white wines worldwide.
Moscato, although appreciated for its sweetness, has not achieved the same level of international recognition as Prosecco.
The Muscat grape is more popular in certain countries, often finding a devoted following in the United States, particularly among those who appreciate sweeter wine varieties.
Prosecco Vs Moscato Food Pairings
Prosecco wine, with its dry and crisp nature, pairs well with a variety of savory dishes like bruschetta, seafood, cured meats, and creamy pasta. Its effervescence balances spicy foods.
Thanks to its sweetness, Moscato pairs beautifully with fruity desserts, and it complements light salads and spicy dishes like Thai curry. Its slight fizz and lower alcohol content are a perfect match for brunch.
Sweetness Levels: Is Prosecco Sweeter?
Prosecco is a dry wine, presenting a crisp and refreshing profile that is generally lower in both calories and sugar. On average, a standard 5-ounce (148 ml) serving of Prosecco contains about 90 calories and 2 grams of sugar.
Moscato, and particularly sparkling Moscato, is known as a sweet white wine. A typical 5-ounce (148 ml) serving of Moscato wine can contain around 125-150 calories and 5-10 grams of sugar.
Moscato d’Asti tends to be on the sweeter side of the spectrum, often exceeding 10 grams of sugar in a single serving.
Alcohol Content Comparison
Prosecco has a moderate alcohol content, typically containing around 11-12% alcohol by volume (ABV). This allows the effervescence and crispness to shine without being overpowered by a high alcohol presence.
Moscato, including Moscato d’Asti, typically has a lower alcohol content, often ranging between 5-7% ABV. In some instances, Moscato wine can even dip below 5%, making it a lighter option in terms of alcohol.
This lower alcohol content contributes to Moscato’s gentle and easy-drinking character, where the sweetness and fruity flavors are more pronounced without the influence of strong alcohol notes.
Final Thoughts
Well, we are done with our deep dive into these beautiful Italian wines. It’s clear that Both Moscato and Prosecco have a lot to offer.
Moscato is a splendid white wine, for those with a sweet tooth. Prosecco is perfect for celebrating any occasion.
The best thing is that in the world of wine, there’s room for all tastes, from those who enjoy the refreshing effervescence of Prosecco to those who savor the sweetness of Moscato.
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