7 moscatos that deserve your attention

People tend to have strong opinions about moscato. Some still see it as an outdated ‘basic’ wine that’s only enjoyed by nannas at the local RSL, while others dismiss it as being too sweet, thanks to its high sugar content. Moscato can divide experienced wine lovers and beginners alike, but we don’t mind a good wine debate. It would be dead boring if we all agreed on what makes one wine better than another.

What people might not know, however, is that moscato has come a long way. Over the past 20 years or so, there’s been a shift in how this wine is produced and perceived. Winemakers have been working to elevate the style, focusing on more refined techniques and higher-quality grapes, with an emphasis on preserving the fresh, fruity qualities while tempering the sweetness. It’s now also often produced in organic and sustainable ways, appealing to modern drinkers.

Moscato is a textbook example of how a wine can be modernised and find new relevance. Once dismissed as overly sweet and old fashioned, this naturally lower-in-alcohol wine is being reimagined into crisp, lightly sparkling styles that are both fresh and versatile. Moscato also pairs well with various dishes, so bring a bottle to your next catch-up and enjoy a glass alongside something spicy, a cheese platter or a fruity dessert. Just be sure to serve it super chilled to enjoy it at its best. 

On that note, here are seven moscatos to put on your radar, from the reliable ones we keep coming back to, plus a few new favourites on the scene. And with World Moscato Day happening on May 9, it’s a pretty good excuse to revisit this underrated wine.