Andy Montoya
Moscato is a sweet wine with hints of orange blossom, peach, mandarin orange, sweet lemon, pear, honeysuckle, and strawberry. Its sweetness makes it a perfect aperitif or dessert wine. Moscato's crisp acidity and delicate sweetness also make it a good pairing for spicy foods like curries or spiced chicken wings. Its sweetness can also be balanced by salty, bitter, or sour foods. When it comes to cheese, softer, creamier cheeses are recommended to complement the wine's light and effervescent nature. Blue cheese is a notable exception, as its saltiness and tanginess can also pair well with Moscato.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese texture | Soft, creamy, spreadable, crumbly |
| Cheese type | Blue, Brie, Camembert, Mozzarella, Burrata, Cheddar, Goat, Parmesan, Havarti, Feta |
| Flavour | Salty, tangy, creamy, sweet, earthy, mild, nutty, buttery |
| Wine type | Moscato d'Asti, Pink Moscato, Red Moscato |
| Wine flavour | Sweet, delicate, fruity, floral, crisp, acidic, aromatic, strawberry, cherry, peach, melon |
| Food pairings | Fruits, seafood, cured meats, chilli seeds, almonds, prosciutto, sponge cake, fruit tarts, biscuits, strawberries, whipped cream, maple-glazed ham, spicy meatballs, sweet cream cheese, cherry cobbler, vanilla ice cream |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese
The key to pairing wine with food is balance, and this is especially true for sweet wines like Moscato. The saltiness of blue cheese complements the sweetness and floral notes of Moscato, creating a harmonious taste experience. Blue cheese also has a "salty funk" that pairs well with the sweetness of Moscato, making it an ideal pairing for dessert.
When serving blue cheese with Moscato, it is recommended to serve the wine chilled and the cheese at room temperature. Additionally, aged or matured blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, which have a more intense flavour profile, can be paired with Moscato d'Asti, a variety known for its aromatic and fruity characteristics.
For a truly Italian experience, try pairing your Moscato with a buffalo milk blue cheese like Quattro Portoni Blu di Bufala. This cheese is handcrafted from buffalo milk and is intensely fruity, with the flavours of Moscato wine. Each cube is rubbed with moscato grape pomace, infusing the cheese with a boozy sweetness. The rich, fatty buffalo milk gives the cheese a distinct creaminess that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of Moscato.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different types of blue cheese, such as Chiriboga Blue from Germany, and create your own unique pairing with Moscato. Remember, the beauty of pairing Moscato with cheese lies in the endless possibilities, so don't be afraid to explore different flavour profiles and find new and exciting combinations.
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Soft cheeses
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is an ideal pairing with Moscato. It is a soft, creamy cheese with a tangy flavour that stands out as the perfect match for the wine. Another excellent choice is Camembert, a soft cheese from Normandy, France, with a smooth and chalky texture, a bloomy rind, and a pale yellow colour. Its earthy aroma and milky, buttery flavour create a delightful contrast with Moscato.
Burrata, a prominent member of the mozzarella family, is another soft cheese that pairs well with Moscato. This fresh cheese from southwestern Italy has a creamy texture, buttery flavour, and milky aroma. While it is typically enjoyed with crusty bread and prosciutto, substituting a glass of cool Moscato for the traditional Puglian Primitivo makes for an exceptional pairing.
For those who enjoy stronger-flavoured cheeses, a semi-soft mature cheese like Munster, Maroilles, or Langres can be a wonderful pairing with Moscato. These cheeses have a more intense flavour profile that balances well with the sweetness of the wine. Opting for a Moscato with a higher level of sweetness, such as Moscato d'Asti, can further enhance the pairing experience.
When pairing soft cheeses with Moscato, it is important to remember that the key to a successful combination lies in finding a balance between the cheese and the wine. The delicate body of Moscato pairs best with mild, soft cheeses, as bold or powerful cheeses can overpower its subtle flavours. Experimenting with different varieties of soft cheeses and Moscato wines can lead to discovering exciting new flavour combinations.
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Sweet and salty combinations
When it comes to sweet and salty combinations, there are a few key principles to keep in mind. Firstly, the delicate body of sweet wines like Moscato should be paired with mild, soft cheeses to avoid overpowering the wine's flavour. Soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese are excellent choices when pairing with Moscato. The creamy and buttery texture of these cheeses complements the light and effervescent nature of Moscato, creating a well-balanced and memorable flavour profile.
For those who enjoy a stronger flavour, mature and semi-soft cheeses like Munster, Maroilles, and Langres pair well with Moscato. The key to a successful pairing lies in finding a balance between the boldness of the cheese and the sweetness of the wine. Opting for aged or matured cheeses with a more intense flavour profile can help achieve this balance. Additionally, choosing a Moscato with a higher level of sweetness can offset the boldness of the cheese.
Another classic combination is the pairing of salty, crumbly cheeses with sweet wines. Havarti, a creamy and slightly salty cheese, pairs exceptionally well with the strawberry notes of Pink Moscato, creating a perfect balance between salty and sweet. The creamy texture of the cheese prolongs the wine's flavour. On the other hand, Parmesan, a dry and crumbly cheese, may be better suited to a less sweet wine like Merlot, as the high sweetness of Moscato or Pinot Grigio can be overpowering.
When it comes to sweet treats, Moscato is a versatile companion. Its crisp acidity and delicate sweetness make it a perfect pairing for desserts. From fruity tarts and creamy custards to rich chocolate indulgences, Moscato's floral and fruity notes elevate the sweetness of the dessert without overwhelming it. For a simple yet delicious combination, serve fresh strawberries and whipped cream with a chilled glass of Pink Moscato.
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Strong-flavoured cheeses
Moscato is a sweet wine with delicate flavours and a crisp acidity. It is known to pair well with a wide variety of cheeses, especially blue cheese, which complements the wine's sweetness and floral notes. The key to pairing Moscato with strong-flavoured cheeses is to find a balance between the boldness of the cheese and the sweetness of the wine.
When it comes to strong-flavoured cheeses, aged or matured varieties with intense flavour profiles are ideal. Opt for cheeses like sharp Cheddar, tangy goat cheese, or even blue cheese. These bold cheeses can be beautifully balanced by the sweetness of Moscato. For an even more harmonious pairing, choose a Moscato with a higher level of sweetness, such as Moscato d'Asti, which is known for its aromatic and fruity characteristics. The boldness of the cheese will be perfectly offset by the wine's sweetness.
If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pairing. Try a sharp Cheddar with a Moscato that has hints of apricot or tropical fruit flavours. The contrast between the salty, sharp cheese and the sweet, fruity wine will create a delightful taste experience. Another option is to pair a tangy goat cheese with a Moscato that showcases tropical fruit notes. The tanginess of the cheese will be enhanced by the fruity flavours of the wine, resulting in a well-rounded and memorable flavour profile.
When serving strong-flavoured cheeses with Moscato, consider the intensity of both the cheese and the wine. The key is to find a balance where neither the cheese nor the wine overpowers the other. Remember, the beauty of pairing Moscato with cheese lies in the endless possibilities, so don't be afraid to explore different flavour profiles and trust your taste buds to guide you to new and exciting combinations.
While Moscato is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of strong-flavoured cheeses, it's important to avoid overly heavy or rich dishes that can overwhelm its delicate flavours. Instead, focus on creating a balance between the boldness of the cheese and the sweetness and acidity of the Moscato for a truly enjoyable and harmonious tasting experience.
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Dessert wines
Moscato is a sweet wine with hints of orange blossom, peach, mandarin orange, sweet lemon, pear, and honeysuckle. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, including desserts. Its crisp acidity and delicate sweetness make it a perfect choice for pairing with sweet dishes.
When it comes to cheese, the key to pairing Moscato is to find a balance between the boldness of the cheese and the sweetness of the wine. Soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese, are excellent choices. The creamy and buttery texture of these cheeses complements the light and effervescent nature of Moscato. The saltiness of blue cheese, in particular, complements the sweetness and floral notes of Moscato, resulting in a delightful taste combination.
If you're a fan of strong-flavoured cheeses, you can still enjoy them with Moscato. Opt for aged or matured cheeses with a more intense flavour profile, and choose a Moscato with a higher level of sweetness to offset the boldness of the cheese. Experiment with different combinations, such as a sharp cheddar with a Moscato that has a hint of apricot or a tangy goat cheese with a Moscato that boasts tropical fruit flavours.
In addition to cheese, Moscato pairs well with spicy dishes, such as curries or spiced chicken wings, and savoury snacks like salami with figs or melon. It is also a lovely addition to a charcuterie board with prosciutto, almonds, chilli seeds, and crisp raw vegetables. For dessert, Moscato is a perfect match for creme brulee, vanilla ice cream, rice pudding, fruit tarts, or sweet biscuits.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft cheeses with a creamy texture, such as Brie, Camembert, Burrata, and Mozzarella, are considered to be excellent pairings with Moscato. The sweetness of Moscato amplifies the creaminess of the cheese, creating a decadent combination.
Yes, blue cheese is a surprisingly good match for Moscato. The saltiness of blue cheese complements the sweetness and floral notes of Moscato, resulting in a delightful contrast of flavours.
Moscato is a delicate, sweet wine, so it's best to avoid pairing it with bold, salty, or powerful cheeses, as they may overpower its flavour. Strong, salty cheeses like Feta are generally considered to be a poor match for Moscato.
