10 Best Moscato Wines UK | Barefoot Gallo and More
Whether you're looking for the ideal sweet, sparkling drink to pair with dessert or you're just trying to cut down on your alcohol consumption, we recommend trying a Moscato wine. We know that choosing the right bottle can feel like an impossible task though, so we'll guide you through the buying process.
In this article, we'll run through everything you need to know about tasting notes and ABV. Plus we'll explain the difference between crisp white Moscato D’Asti and rosé-style Pink Moscato so you can decide which one to try first. Thanks to our handy top 10 ranking, which features top brands like Barefoot, Gallo and Bartenura, it's never been even easier to find a bottle of Moscato for the best price at Amazon, ASDA, Tesco and Waitrose.
Quick List - Top Moscato Wines
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What is Moscato Wine?
Moscato wine originates in Italy and is popular due to its light-bodied, sweet flavour and low alcohol content. With an ABV that ranges from 5-11%, it's the perfect wine to pair with dessert or to enjoy as a stand-alone drink, as it won't overwhelm your palate.
The Muscat grape from which it takes its name is one of the oldest species in the world and has been used by many different winemakers across the globe, from estates in Italy to the vineyards of California. This means that the tasting notes of Moscato will vary depending on the region and the distillation process.
How to Choose a Moscato Wine in the UK
- Decide Between the Flavour Profiles of Crisp Moscato D’Asti and Complex Pink Moscato
- Select a Screw Top for Convenience or a Choose a Cork for Slow Aeration
- Keep Track of Your Alcohol Consumption by Checking the ABV
Opt for Crisp Moscato D’Asti for Hints of Nectarine, Peach and Citrus, or Try Pink Moscato for a More Complex Flavour Profile
The type of Moscato that will best suit your taste will depend on if you generally prefer white or rosé wine. Both varieties of Moscato feature rich flavours and light carbonation, but the flavour profile is slightly different for each.
- Moscato d’Asti: This lightly sparkling white wine is made from the Muscat Blanc grape, so it's the most common variety on the market. While flavours will vary from bottle to bottle, it's generally crisp with base notes of nectarine, peach or citrus.
- Pink Moscato: This variety is ideal for rosé lovers, as it features a dash of Merlot alongside the Muscat Blanc, resulting in a more intricate flavour profile. As well as the expected fruity flavours of nectarine, peach and citrus, there are also sweeter notes of caramel and vanilla, resulting in a well-rounded and more complex flavour.
If you're in the mood for something fruity, try one of these orange wines.
Choose a Corked Bottle That Allows the Wine to Aerate for a More Intense Flavour, or Select a Screw Top for Convenience
Despite the common misconception that corked wine is higher quality than screw top, each seal type actually serves its own unique function and isn't necessarily indicative of quality. The holes in corks are designed to gradually aerate wine over a long period of time, while a screw top will keep the bottle completely air-tight.
Screw tops are easy to open, as you don't require a corkscrew, and they allow you to re-seal the bottle if you don't finish it all in one sitting. Although cork bottles are a little more difficult to re-seal and will need to be consumed quickly once you have opened them, the gradual aeration provided by a cork adds a more complex and intense flavour to the wine.
Pick up a wine decanter to aerate any bottle with ease!
Consider a Lower ABV of Around 5-7% If You’re Looking To Limit Your Consumption
Most standard wines have an ABV (alcohol by volume) of around 10-13%, whereas Moscato's ABV tends to be between 5-11%. This lower alcohol percentage is what enhances the sweet and fruity flavours, making it perfect for pairing with desserts.
For less experienced drinkers or those looking to cut down, a bottle with an ABV of 5-7% will allow you to appreciate the rich flavours without getting too tipsy. If you're a wine lover, though, you may find that a higher ABV enhances the flavours of wine on your palate. If this is the case, you should opt for a Moscato of around 9-11%.
Cut down on your drinking with our recommended alcohol-free wines.
10 Best Moscato Wines in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Barefoot Pink Moscato | | An Award-Winning Pink Moscato That's Great Value for Money | |
2 | Barefoot Moscato | | The Perfect Moscato d’Asti to Pair With Sweet, Spicy or Mild Cuisine | |
3 | Bartenura Moscato | | Features Hints of Sweet Pear and Melon to Enhance a Variety of Recipes | |
4 | Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato | | Enjoy Exotic Fruit Flavours With a Peach and Pineapple Moscato | |
5 | Innocent Bystander Moscato | | A Refined Option With Notes of Candyfloss and Turkish Delight | |
6 | Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato | | A Bubbly Tipple With Super Sweet Cherry and Apple Flavours | |
7 | Bartenura Rosé Moscato | | Made With Traditional Italian Winemaking Techniques in a Centuries-Old Vineyard | |
8 | Bach Frizzante Semi-Sparkling Moscato White Wine | | Savour Delicate Carbonation With a Higher 11% ABV | |
9 | Canti Moscato d'Asti | | A Classic Moscato With Complex Floral Notes of Acacia and Jasmine | |
10 | Hotel Starlino Sparkling Rosé | | Blends Two Varieties of Grapes for a More Unique Flavour |
An Award-Winning Pink Moscato That's Great Value for Money
This 9% Pink Moscato from Barefoot is the ultimate option when it comes to flavour and value for money. It's ideal for more experienced wine drinkers who prefer a slightly higher ABV. You won't have to worry about overdoing it, though, as the screw top allows for easy and secure storage if the bottle is unfinished.
The sweet layers of raspberry and pomegranate pair wonderfully with the zesty citrus base to create a complex flavour which was awarded a gold medal at the 2016 San Diego Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition. That's why it's our top pick!
The Perfect Moscato d’Asti to Pair With Sweet, Spicy or Mild Cuisine
If you usually prefer white wine, we recommend this Moscato d’Asti from Barefoot. Intense flavours of peach and apricot are combined with hints of lemon and orange for a crisp and fruity finish that's refreshing to the palate.
As well as the traditional dessert pairing, this wine is the perfect complement to spicy Asian cuisine, fresh fruits and mild cheeses. Versatile yet affordable, it's no wonder that this bottle ranks so highly on our list.
Features Hints of Sweet Pear and Melon to Enhance a Variety of Recipes
The traditional sweet flavour is enhanced by subtle hints of pear and melon, making it the perfect accompaniment to lighter dishes like salad or sushi. It can also be used for cooking, sweetening desserts or adding a new depth of flavour to savoury dishes.
Enjoy Exotic Fruit Flavours With a Peach and Pineapple Moscato
Like most Moscato, this tipple works well with dessert, but Gallo Family Vineyard suggests a cheeseboard pairing if you want to get the best out of the fruity flavours. We'd certainly recommend taking their word for it — after all, they have generations of winemaking experience!
A Refined Option With Notes of Candyfloss and Turkish Delight
Refreshing notes of candyfloss, blackcurrant and Turkish delight make this Pink Moscato a unique option that's suitable for a more refined palate. At just 5.5% ABV, it's also great for those who are cutting back on drinking.
A Bubbly Tipple With Super Sweet Cherry and Apple Flavours
While all Moscato is intended to be sweet, this particular bottle is one of the sweetest options on the market. Those looking for dessert wine will love it, but it's best avoided if you prefer something more subtle.
Made With Traditional Italian Winemaking Techniques in a Centuries-Old Vineyard
If you're keen to try something from an authentic Italian vineyard and want to impress your dinner guests, this rosé Moscato is a brilliant buy. However, it's the most expensive bottle on our list, so it won't be suitable for those shopping on a budget.
Savour Delicate Carbonation With a Higher 11% ABV
Although all Moscatos have a lower ABV than other wine varieties on the market, this is one of the highest at 11%. If you're looking to cut down on your alcohol consumption, check out one of our other recommendations instead.
A Classic Moscato With Complex Floral Notes of Acacia and Jasmine
While the aromatic floral notes of acacia and jasmine are wonderful, they're an acquired taste. If you're shopping for a gift or you're new to wine drinking, you'd be better off with one of the universally enjoyed fruity options higher up our list.
Blends Two Varieties of Grapes for a More Unique Flavour
Unfortunately, the specific tasting notes for this bottle aren't advertised by the brand, so the flavour profile won't be obvious unless you try it out for yourself. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive though, so we'd say it's well worth a try!
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
Top 5 Moscato Wines
No. 1: Barefoot｜Pink Moscato
No. 2: Barefoot｜Moscato
No. 3: Bartenura｜Moscato
No. 4: Gallo Family Vineyards｜Moscato
No. 5: Innocent Bystander｜Moscato
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