The Unspoken Details About Moscato’s Color That Fool Amateurs

Last Updated on August 1st, 2023

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Have Some Moscato, But Not Sure About the Color?

You have some Moscato, but you may be wondering about the color. Moscato is actually made from one of the oldest types of grapes in the world – Muscat Blanc but is also primarily known for its sweet flavor profile.

Moscato also comes in a variety of colors, and depending on the color, you will get a different flavor. So, let’s discuss the different colors that Moscato has to offer and what these different colors mean!

Glasses of wine with ice cubes in them - The Unspoken Details About Moscato's Color.

Should Moscato be yellow?

Moscato can definitely be yellow! There are actually two popular types of sparkling Moscato. The first is Moscato d’Asti, which is a lightly sparkling wine. The second is Asti, which is a fully-sparkling wine. 

 If you like very sweet wine, then the Asti is the choice for you, but if you prefer a less sweet wine with lower alcohol content, then the Moscato d’Asti is likely a good choice.

 If you prefer a still wine over a sparkling wine – the Giallo is another popular choice. This yellow Moscato has a floral and spicy profile and is a great choice if you prefer less sweet wines that were previously mentioned. 

Is Moscato dark yellow?

There is a two-part answer to this question! The simple answer is – yes, it can be, as we will discuss below, but that does not mean that Moscato should always be dark yellow.

 The best example of why Moscato can be dark yellow is the Moscato di Pantelleria, for example, which is an amber-colored Moscato. So, if you do find a Moscato with a darker yellow color – check to see if it is a Moscato di Pantelleria!

 However, this doesn’t mean that it is always okay if your Moscato is a dark yellow. Wine can turn dark yellow or brown if it oxidizes, which means that oxygen has entered the bottle.

 So if you get a Moscato from your wine rack or cellar and are curious about if it should be a dark yellow – just make sure to do some research to check if it should be the amber color like the Moscato di Pantelleria or if it has oxidized.

Why is my Moscato orange?

Orange Moscato is less common than some other varieties, but it is still a great choice. The orange color comes from the Orange Muscat grape, and while it is not the most popular type of Moscato – it is still a good choice for the right occasion.

 The flavor profile of an orange Moscato is sweet with hints of orange and apricot. It is a great choice as a dessert wine or as a sunny afternoon wine. 

Is there a red Moscato?

Yes, there is a red Moscato! Red Moscato is made through a blend of white and red wine. 

 Red Moscato is a great choice if you find red wine too strong or white wine too sweet. Also, it is a great choice if you do not have a strong preference for either red or white wine and prefer a blend of the two.

 A red Moscato is also a great choice for lunch as it is not too heavy but still provides hints of sweetness that Moscatos are known for.

What about Pink Moscato?

If you live in America or Australia – you have likely seen pink Moscato. However, while it is very popular in these two countries, it is less popular in Europe.

Similar to red Moscato, pink Moscato is a combination between white Moscato and red wine. The difference is that white wine is more prevalent, and there is a smaller blending of red wine, which gives pink Moscato it’s distinctive coloring.

Pink Moscato is a great choice if you prefer sweeter wine with hints of the stronger flavor that red wine offers.

Final Thoughts

Moscato comes in a variety of colors, and this has an impact on the taste. Yellow Moscato is a good choice if you enjoy sparkling sweet wine, but there is also a still variation for those who prefer still to sparkling. 

 Remember, yellow Moscato can also be darker, but make sure this is intentional and not because of oxidation.  Moving on to orange Moscato, which is a less common Moscato. However, it is still a great choice as a dessert wine or if you are enjoying wine on a nice sunny day outside. Red Moscato is a popular type and is a great choice if you do not strongly prefer red or white wine and prefer something in the middle.

 Last but not least – we have pink Moscato. This is ultimately closer to white wine but still has a splash of red, giving the wine its pink color.  One of the strengths of Moscato and a reason for its rise in popularity is the variety and how there is a color for everyone. We hope you learned a little more about the different colors that a Moscato can come in and that it makes your decision to buy your next bottle a little easier!

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