Moscato And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For Sweet Wine

Moscato is a sweet, white wine made from the Muscat grape. It is produced mainly in Italy, specifically the Piedmont region. It is known for its notes of stone fruits, like peach, apricot, and nectarine, as well as hints of orange blossom, mandarin orange, sweet lemon, pear, and honeysuckle. The sweetness of Moscato makes it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, from entrees to desserts. When it comes to cheese, Moscato goes particularly well with blue cheese, Parmesan, goat cheese, Brie, and other triple-crème cheeses. The sweetness of the wine complements the salty, funky, or tangy flavours of these cheeses. For a truly indulgent experience, try pairing a good Moscato with a creamy, soft cheese like Brie or goat cheese.

Blue cheese and Moscato

When it comes to blue cheese, there are many varieties to choose from. Some of the best options to pair with Moscato include:

• Stilton: This English blue cheese has a crumbly texture and a creamy, tangy flavour. Its mild flavour profile makes it an excellent choice for Moscato.
• Cabrales: A Spanish blue cheese made from a blend of cow, goat, and sheep's milk, giving it a complex flavour profile. Its creamy texture and tanginess make it a great match for Moscato.
• Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese made from cow's milk with a tangy and slightly spicy flavour. Its creamy texture and bold flavour pair well with the sweetness of Moscato.
• Roquefort: A French blue cheese with a distinct salty and sharp flavour. The wine's sweetness balances the cheese's intensity.

When serving blue cheese with Moscato, it is recommended to serve the wine chilled and the cheese at room temperature. Additionally, consider adding a few almonds and dried apricots to the plate for an enhanced experience.

While Moscato is a versatile wine that can pair well with various cheeses, blue cheese is an ideal match due to the complementary contrast between the sweetness of the wine and the saltiness of the cheese. This pairing is a delightful way to conclude a meal, offering a satisfying combination of flavours.

Spicy food and Moscato

When it comes to specific spicy food and Moscato pairings, here are some recommendations:

• Moscato d'Asti with Mexican food: The semi-sparkling nature of Moscato d'Asti, with its bubbles, helps cleanse the palate and makes it a perfect match for greasier Mexican dishes.
• Moscato with Indian food: The spicy Indian curries and chillies from India beautifully complement the sweetness of Moscato. Chicken vindaloo, vegetable korma, and red lentil dal are some dishes that go well with Moscato.
• Moscato with Sichuan dishes: The hot and spicy flavour of Sichuan cuisine will have you craving the sweetness of Moscato.
• Moscato with Thai food: Pair Moscato with a chilly Pad Thai, Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad), Yam Pla Dook Foo (Fried Catfish with Green Mango Salad), or Shrimp Khao Pad (Fried Rice) to balance out the spice.
• Moscato with spiced chicken wings: Baked spiced chicken wings or buffalo wings pair perfectly with the sweetness of Moscato.

In addition to these specific pairings, Moscato also goes well with other spicy cuisines such as Laotian, Malaysian, and Schezchuan. The key to a successful Moscato pairing with spicy food is its sweetness, which helps tame the heat and enhance the flavours of the dish.

Moscato d'Asti and cheesecake

Moscato d'Asti is a sweet, sparkling Italian wine with delicate bubbles and vibrant flavours of nectarine, honey, and peach. It is an excellent dessert wine, perfect for treating yourself or sharing with a few loved ones over dinner.

When it comes to cheese, Moscato d'Asti's sweetness and fruity notes pair well with blue cheese, Parmesan, goat cheese, Brie, and other triple-crème cheeses. The saltiness of blue cheese, for example, provides a delightful contrast to the wine's sweetness.

Now, let's talk about cheesecake and Moscato d'Asti. A cheesecake is a rich, creamy dessert, and when paired with Moscato d'Asti, it becomes even more indulgent. The wine's sweetness and fruity notes can complement the cheesecake's creaminess and any accompanying toppings or flavours. For instance, a strawberry cheesecake pairs beautifully with Moscato d'Asti, as the wine's peach and nectarine notes will enhance the strawberry flavours in the cheesecake.

Additionally, you can take your cheesecake and Moscato d'Asti experience to the next level by incorporating the wine into the cheesecake itself. A Moscato cheesecake bite is a creative way to enjoy this combination. This involves making a creamy cheesecake filling infused with Moscato, strawberries, and a touch of cream, creating a decadent dessert that showcases the wine's flavours. The slight jiggle in the centre, the cooling process, and the small square portions are key steps to achieving the perfect texture and consistency.

In summary, Moscato d'Asti and cheesecake is a delightful pairing, whether you enjoy a classic strawberry cheesecake or get creative with a Moscato cheesecake bite. The wine's sweet and fruity characteristics beautifully complement the creaminess of the cheesecake, making it a perfect match for those with a sweet tooth.

Parmesan, goat cheese, and triple-crème bries with Moscato

Moscato wine is known for its low alcohol content, perfume, and spritzy nature. Its sweet, perfumed, and floral honeyed aromas, along with slight effervescence, make it a delightful choice for a lazy afternoon. When it comes to cheese, Parmesan, goat cheese, and triple-crème bries are excellent companions for Moscato. Here's how:

Parmesan and Moscato

Parmesan, a hard and aged Italian cheese, offers a rich and nutty flavour. Its intense and savoury taste provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness and brightness of Moscato. The wine's fruity notes, particularly those of stone fruits like peach, apricot, and nectarine, complement the nutty and savoury characteristics of Parmesan. When pairing Parmesan with Moscato, consider grating or shaving the cheese to enhance its texture and allow for a more harmonious flavour combination.

Goat Cheese and Moscato

Goat cheese, also known as Chèvre, is a classic choice for pairing with Moscato. Its creamy and tangy taste, along with its soft texture, beautifully complements the wine's sweetness and acidity. The lightness and creaminess of fresh goat cheese also work in harmony with the bright and fruity notes of Moscato, creating a delightful combination. However, it is important to avoid stronger flavour combinations in goat cheese, such as garlic or chilli, as they can clash with the floral perfume of the wine.

Triple-crème Bries and Moscato

Triple-crème bries, including the well-known Brie, are excellent matches for Moscato. The creamy and slightly nutty flavour of Brie, along with its soft, buttery texture, enhances the fruitiness of the wine. The mild flavours of Brie beautifully balance the sweetness and bubbles of Moscato, resulting in a delightful contrast. When considering a Brie and Moscato pairing, the maturity of the cheese can also play a role, with more mature Bries pairing well with more structured wines.

In conclusion, Parmesan, goat cheese, and triple-crème bries offer distinct flavour profiles that enhance the characteristics of Moscato wine. The savoury notes of Parmesan provide a delightful contrast, while the creamy and tangy goat cheese complements the wine's sweetness. Additionally, the slightly nutty and buttery flavours of triple-crème bries beautifully balance the sweetness and fruitiness of Moscato. Experimenting with these pairings allows for a delightful culinary journey, making Moscato and these cheeses a perfect match for a relaxing afternoon.

Sweet cream cheese-stuffed strawberries and Red Moscato

When crafting the perfect cheese-stuffed strawberry treat to accompany your glass of Red Moscato, opt for a creamy, spreadable cheese with a mild to medium flavour intensity. A soft, mild cheese will ensure that the delicate flavours of the wine are not overpowered, creating a harmonious taste experience.

For an added twist, consider incorporating hints of almond or apricot into your cream cheese mixture. The nutty, fruity notes will play beautifully with the sweet and fruity characteristics of both the wine and the strawberries. Alternatively, a touch of orange zest in the cream cheese can also enhance the wine's citrus undertones.

To take your dessert to the next level, don't forget to include some fresh strawberries on the side. The natural sweetness of the strawberries will be accentuated by the wine, creating a burst of flavour in every bite. Additionally, a simple bowl of fresh strawberries and whipped cream paired with a chilled glass of Pink Moscato can be a delightful way to end your meal.

Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or a novice wine enthusiast, remember that the most important factor is your personal preference. Feel free to experiment with different types of cream cheeses and strawberry preparations to find the combination that suits your taste buds. So, go ahead and pop open that bottle of Red Moscato, prepare your sweet cream cheese-stuffed strawberries, and indulge in a decadent sensory journey!

Frequently asked questions