Time to get your fiesta on, chicas y chicos!
Today is National Moscato Day, and to make sure you shine at the bar or dinner table tonight, here are three things to know about Moscato, and a yummy cocktail recipe from the fine folks at Gallo Family Vineyards. And for you smarty-pants out there, share your knowledge today during the #DiaDelMoscato Twitter party at 3 p.m. PST/6 p.m. EST. Be there or be cuadrado!
Now put on your drinking caps and savor these fun facts:
1. Moscato goes by different names in different countries. “Moscato” is Italian for Muscat, one of the oldest known grape varieties in the world. In Spain, it’s called Moscatel. Moscato is thought to be one of the few wines that actually tastes like the grape, and if you happen upon a Moscato vineyard, don’t freak out if bees and wasps are swarming the fruit of the vine. They’re drawn to the grape’s intoxicating floral and honey-like aroma and it’s decadent sweetness.
2. Moscato can be made in various styles. Moscato is one of the most versatile wines out there. You can have it sweet or dry, still or sparkling, or as a syrupy dessert wine. The wine can be white, pale pink or even red. If you love peach and citrus aromas, these are textbook Moscato scents.
3. Pair Moscato with fresh fruit, fruit-based desserts or spicy foods. Depending on which style of Moscato you’re drinking, there are mucho pairing options. A sweet Moscato can take the burn off of a spicy main course or complement the sweetness of fresh fruit or a fruit tart. A sparkling Moscato is an elegant aperitif and the perfect way to start a brunch.
OK, got all that? There’s a quiz later on. Not really. But here’s a delicious recipe from Gallo Family Vineyards you can enjoy today or any day of the year. ¡Salud!
El Full Disclosure: This is not an ad. And I did not receive free product or compensation for this post. I just like sharing mouthwatering recipes. Gracias, Gallo Family Vineyards!
Moscato Mango Mojito
(serves 1)
Ingredients:
1.25 ounces Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato
1 lime, cut into eighths
5 leaves basil, plus more for garnish
.5-teaspoon demerara sugar
1 ounces white rum
1.25 ounces mango puree or mango nectar
Preparation:
Muddle lime, basil leaves, and sugar in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, then add the moscato, white rum, and mango nectar. Shake and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass Garnish with a basil sprig.
