Moscato Vs Pinot Grigio

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Moscato and Pinot Grigio have gone head to head for decades, with Moscato being sweeter but Pinot Grigio offering about double the alcohol. However, they are both white wines that pair well with a wide assortment of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. When in doubt, get a bottle of each to compare.

What Is Similar About Moscato And Pinot Grigio?

Although Pinot Grigio leans toward a medium body, both Moscato and Pinot Grigio are light-bodied white wines. They can both have fruity notes like mango, peach, and apricot. They are also both on the acidic side for wines. Because they are white wines, they are best enjoyed while young rather than aging them. Around one to two years old is ideal for both Moscato and Pinot Grigio, but don’t fret if they’re slightly older. In addition, they are both great for summer days on the patio because many people describe them as crisp and refreshing.

Lastly, both Moscato and Pinot Grigio have rosé or pink varieties. Sometimes pink Pinot Grigio is even considered the most authentic, original Pinot Grigio because it often had a pink tint before advancements in winemaking. However, some wine connoisseurs disagree because it wasn’t the winemakers’ intention to have a pink wine, just the limitations they were working within.

What Is The Difference Between Moscato Vs. Pinot Grigio?

Moscato is a French wine, and Pinot Grigio was originally an Italian wine, although their grapes are grown in countries across the world now. Moscato is a dessert wine that pairs well with fruit tarts, sponge cake, fresh salami, and even spicy foods. Pinot Grigio is great with appetizers like fresh mozzarella and basil, grilled shrimp, and wonton nachos. There is a good bit of overlap in pairings; for example, both wines are excellent with fish, and of course, there is a cheese to go with any wine. Try brie and manchego with Pinot Grigio or parmesan and pepper jack with Moscato.

Pinot Grigio is less likely to be especially high in calories due to its lower sugar content. Dry wines, in general, are a healthier choice for anyone trying to shed a few pounds. However, if you’re sticking to one glass, the difference isn’t a big deal.

Which One Is Sweeter Or Drier Than The Other?

Moscato is a decidedly sweet wine, whereas Pinot Grigio is normally quite dry. Since Pinot Grigio is a drier wine, it has less residual sugar than Moscato. Pinot Grigio often has fruity flavor notes, but it’s not sweet in the traditional sense. There are wines much drier than Pinot Grigio, though, so it’s a good pick for anyone just beginning to explore dry wines.

Which One Has More Alcohol Content?

Moscato has a small amount of alcohol, usually around five to 10 percent ABV. Pinot Grigio normally has at least 10 percent ABV, but sometimes up to 15 percent. Pinot Grigio is definitely the right choice for someone who wants a little more alcohol in their glass. However, if a sweet white wine is a must-have, a fortified Moscato can have a much higher ABV, closer to 20 percent.

How Do I Choose Between Moscato And Pinot Grigio?

Choosing between Moscato and Pinot Grigio is a matter of determining what’s important to you. 

Alcohol Content

Pinot Grigio wins, hands down.

Sweet vs. Dry

Moscato is sweet, and Pinot Grigio is dry.

Nutrition

Pinot Grigio is likely to have fewer calories and less sugar.

Their flavors can vary considerably, so it’s difficult to say which one might have a certain flavor note.

Summary

Pinot Grigio and Moscato is a choice between dry and sweet, moderate and low alcohol content, and number of calories if that matters to you. But Pinot Grigio is hardly a bone-dry wine, and Moscato is not the sweetest wine available. They are both middle ground and should suit a wide variety of preferences.

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