“You put it to your lips and you sip!” I will never forget Papa's hilariously simple advice when I asked him, years ago, how to drink an unfamiliar beverage. Many alcohols are like that. Wine, on the other hand, can be finicky. The more I learn about it, the more fascinated I become. Plucked from vines, aged in beautiful barrels throughout mysterious caves. Delicately paired. When someone asks how to drink Moscato or Merlot, there actually is a right answer.
Like many novices in the wine world, I've often leaned toward the whites. Almond champagne and viognier have long been my calling cards. But as my experience has deepened so have my tastes, and I've found myself wandering beyond the light-colored world. Dessert wines, blush, rosé and even the occasional foray into deep, dark reds.
Moscato is the perfect bridge for dabbling vintners-to-be. It comes in white, pink or red, always deliciously sweet. It's well-received at happy hour festivities, or late in the evening chatting at the fireside with girlfriends.
How to Drink Moscato of Any Color
How to drink moscato? The first step is to chill it. Almost any Moscato is best served cold, so plan ahead and bust out that wine fridge! Next up is the pairing.
White Moscato (commonly known simply as “Moscato”). Bursting with peach, honey and citrus, this one should be enjoyed while kicking back poolside. Pair it with spicy Asian or Mexican food.
Red Moscato. This is a medium-bodied red with a berry finish. Goes well with cheese, especially Gorgonzola.
Pink Moscato is still fruity, but with a bit more berry and orange to it. You can pair it with any fruit or dessert, but MY favorite way to enjoy it is with the fruit tucked neatly inside as part of an unconventional sangria.
White Strawberry Mango Sangria
Sangria is usually made with dark red wines and a whole lot of sugar, but I love this fresh spin.
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml bottle Gallo Pink Moscato
- 1 pound strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 large mangos, cut into chunks
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and let sit overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 98Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g
Sangria is usually made with dark red wines and a whole lot of sugar, but I love this fresh spin. Letting it sit overnight brings out the natural sweetness of the mangoes and strawberries. You can even bump it up a bit with a half cup of brandy or rum if you like your drink with a bit more kick to it!