Beloved for its sweet, fruity flavor profile and low alcohol content, Moscato has cemented its place on dinner and brunch tables around the globe, growing in sales and pop culture relevance — looking at you, Drake — over the past decade. Produced from the muscat grape native to Europe, Moscato is known for its distinctly floral, aromatic quality. Along with serving as a base for sweet and dessert wines, the Muscat grape is also occasionally used in rosés, reds, and sparkling wines. It’s also consumed as a table grape and used to make raisins.
From the sea of sweet Moscatos on the market, Wine-Searcher compiled a list of the world’s most popular bottles based on search frequency data. From Australia to Italy and even Crimea, here are the 10 most searched-for Moscatos on the Wine-Searcher platform.
10. Groot Constantia Grand Constance Muscat
Hailing from Constantia, South Africa, Groot Constantia Grand Constance Muscat is one of the most expensive Muscat wines produced worldwide. The wine, which ranges from 12 to 13.5 percent ABV, offers dried peach and apricot aromas and a palate lush with fruit roll, dried peach, and caramelized nut flavors. Average Score: 91, Average Price: $105.
9. Rosatello Moscato
Produced in Italy and owned by Constellation Brands, Rosatello Moscato is fruity and juicy, teeming with citrus aromas and a rich palate of candied orange and peach. You’ll want a selection of cheese to pair with this one. Average Score: 91, Average Price: $13.
8. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Muscat Goldert
Beloved for their Pinot Grigios — two of which are on the world’s most popular Pinot Grigios list — Domaine Zind-Humbrecht also produces highly sought-after Muscats. Among the bunch is Muscat Goldert, produced in the Goldert subregion of Alsace. The wine opens with aromas of chives and dill before a palate rich of grapefruit and nectarine flavors takes over. Average Score: 92, Average Price: $46.
7. Massandra Collection White Muscat
By far the most expensive bottle on this list, Massandra Collection White Muscat was purchased by Sotheby’s Auction House along with several other bottles previously owned by Czar Nicholas II. Reviews are rare, but those who have tasted the wine cite a full body and long, spicy finish. Average Score: 89, Average Price: $529.
(Editor’s note: Massandra Winery in Russian-occupied Crimea was ‘sold’ at auction in December 2020 to Yuzhny Proyect, a subsidiary of Rossiya Bank owned by Yury Kovalchuk, a close associate of Vladimir Putin.)
6. Yellow Tail Pink Moscato
Yellow Tail is native to Australia, but it’s a household name in the U.S. thanks to the affordability and accessibility of its 1.5-liter bottles. That’s why it comes as no surprise that this slightly fizzy Aussie Moscato variety, which offers hints of strawberry, melon, and passionfruit, earned a spot on this list. Average Score: 81, Average Price: $6.
5. Villa Alena Moscato Peach
This peach Moscato is born and bottled in Asti, a commune in Italy’s Piedmont region. Alongside abundant peach flavors, this wine bears notes of crisp apples and apricots. Average Score: n/a. Average Price: $13.
4. Conte Placido Moscao d’Asti
Coming in at 5 percent ABV, Conte Placido Mosaco d’Asti provides a fruity aroma and a palate highlighting citrus peel and acacia flowers. With a slight frizzante texture, this wine begs to be sipped under the hot summer sun. Average Score: n/a. Average Price: $11.
3. Innocent Bystander Moscato Sparkling
The second of two Australian bottles on this list, Innocent Bystander Moscato Sparkling is another low-ABV, sparkling pink Moscato. The wine contains notes of watermelon Jolly Rancher, strawberries in confectioners sugar, violets, and honeycomb. Average Score: 87, Average Price: $14.
2. Muscador Cepage Muscat Mousseux Rose
This French Moscato is as affordable as it comes, with a price tag of just $5. A plethora of fruit flavors contribute to the wine’s sweet profile including lychee and berries and cream along with hints of jasmine, rose, and lemongrass. Average Score: n/a. Average Price: $5.
1. Sweet Bitch Moscato
Despite the love Americans have for Moscato, Sweet Bitch is the sole American-made bottle to make the world’s most popular Moscatos list. Produced by Joseph Victori Wines in Long Island, N.Y., the bottle contains notes of ripe white peaches, apricots, and hints of honey. The wine also comes in a number of flavored varieties, including mango, pineapple, and peach. Average Score: 88, Average Price: $11.
