Today Special : National Moscato Day
National Moscato Day on May 9 is your chance to raise a glass and celebrate the history of this tasty white wine. Moscato is historically known as a dessert wine (no wonder it’s so delicious) and is originally from Piedmont, Italy. When you uncork a bottle, you can expect a blend of peachy, orangey, and nectarine flavors. In our book, a drink like that is definitely worth celebrating. Cheers!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MOSCATO DAY
Moscato is made from the Moscato Blanco grape, one of the oldest grapes in Italy and part of the muscat family. Though the origin of Moscato is unclear, it was believed to have come from the southeast Arabian Peninsula, where it eventually traveled to Italy and other countries.
The muscat family of grapes is known as the primary grape for wine in Italy. Moscato is well known for its versatility of flavors, including light, dry, sweet, sparkling, and rich dessert wine. It is a difficult grape to grow and is known for often producing low yields. Despite this, it has become very popular in the U.S, and in 2012 it was the third most popular white wine in the country.
National Moscato Day was created by Gallo Family Vineyards in 2012. The Gallo Family Vineyards, a huge producer of excellent and affordable Moscato, is a family-owned business that has been around since 1933.
NATIONAL MOSCATO DAY ACTIVITIES
- Pour yourself a glass with a perfect food pairing : Invite your friends over for a meal paired with a generous helping of Moscato. The wine pairs deliciously with a crisp veggie platter and a few slices of brie. It also brings out the full flavor of spicy dishes like curry or anything that packs a zesty punch.
- Dance to your favorite Moscato-loving artists : Turn up the stereo loud and blast a few jams that mention Moscato by name. Get started with Drake’s “Do It Now.” Then, queue up the playlist with “Lighters Up” by Lil’ Kim, “Pretty Boy Swag (Remix)” by Soulja Boy, and “Moscato” by Roscoe Dash. Craving another sip of wine yet?
- Head out to a wine bar : There’s nothing better than toasting to a great night (and a great glass of wine) out on the town with friends. Pick your bartender’s brain for a few extra tips about how to best enjoy your Moscato and how to choose the perfect variety. Pals, drinks, and ambiance — what’s not to love?
5 FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL MOSCATO DAY
- It’s very popular in the United States : As of February 2012, Moscato wine became the third most popular wine consumed in the United States.
- Double trouble : Muscat is the only fine wine grape that doubles as a table grape.
- It’s known for its sweetness : Not only are Moscato wines known for their sweetness, but they are also known for their nectarine flavors.
- It’s very old : The Muscat grape, where Moscato comes from, is one of the oldest grapes in history. Though heavily grown in Italy, Muscat is grown in almost every wine region on Earth.
- The same grape is used for raisins : Raisins and Moscato have something in common; both are made from the Muscat grape.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL MOSCATO DAY
- It’s a staple of pop culture : Drake is a Moscato fan! He says so himself in the lyrics to his song “Do It Now” when he raps, “It’s a celebration / Clap clap bravo / Lobster and shrimp / And a glass of Moscato.” Drake isn’t the only hip-hop artist who enjoys a glass every now and then: Lil’ Kim, Jay-Z, and Kanye West have all made references to the beverage in their songs.
- It’s is delightfully sweet : The Muscat grape, which Moscato is made from, is so sweet that it can eaten as a table grape. It makes a delicious addition to any meal and pairs great with food that has a spicy kick. Because of its intense sweetness, it makes a delightful and sweet dessert wine.
- It’s also wildly popular : Moscato is one of the fastest-growing alcoholic beverages in the U.S. In 2012 alone, its popularity increased by 33%, and its fame hasn’t stopped growing since. If thousands of people adore a drink, they’ve got to be on to something.
