Riesling vs Moscato: A Comprehensive Comparison

TL;DR

• Riesling is a versatile sweet white wine that ranges from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, known for its high acidity and ability to express terroir, making it suitable for various occasions and food pairings.
• Moscato, particularly Moscato d’Asti, is characterized by its intense fruitiness and floral aromas, typically being sweeter and lower in alcohol, making it ideal for casual sipping and light meals.
• Riesling’s flavor profile includes notes of green apple, lemon, and honey, while Moscato features fresh grapes, peach, and orange blossom, appealing to different taste preferences.
• Riesling can age beautifully for decades due to its high acidity, while Moscato is best enjoyed young to appreciate its vibrant flavors.
• When choosing between the two, consider the occasion and personal taste preferences, as Riesling suits formal settings and complex dishes, while Moscato is perfect for casual gatherings and light fare.

Introduction

Picture yourself on a warm summer evening, glass in hand, savoring the sweet notes of a chilled white wine. Two stars shine brightly in the constellation of sweet whites: Riesling and Moscato. These beloved varieties captivate wine enthusiasts and casual sippers alike with their refreshing sweetness and vibrant flavors.

But what sets these two apart? Why might you reach for a Riesling one day and a Moscato the next? Let’s embark on a journey through the vineyards and cellars to uncover the unique charms of these delightful wines. By the time we’re done, you’ll be equipped to choose the perfect sweet white for any occasion.

Sweet White Wine Styles

Riesling Basics

Riesling, the pride of German winemaking, is a chameleon in the wine world. This ancient grape variety traces its roots back to the Rhine region, where it’s been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Riesling grapes are small, with thick skins and a high acidity that gives the wine its characteristic zing.

What makes Riesling truly special is its range. From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, Riesling can do it all. This versatility stems from the grape’s ability to retain its natural acidity even as it ripens, allowing winemakers to craft everything from crisp, mineral-driven wines to rich, honeyed nectars.

Fun Fact: Riesling is often considered the most terroir-expressive white grape, meaning it clearly reflects the soil and climate where it’s grown.

Moscato Basics

Moscato, the Italian charmer, hails from the sun-drenched hills of Piedmont. This wine is made from grapes of the Muscat family, one of the oldest known varieties in the world. Moscato grapes are instantly recognizable by their intensely aromatic nature – even in the vineyard, you can smell their floral and fruity perfume.

Unlike its German counterpart, Moscato is typically sweet, though you can find drier versions. The most famous style, Moscato d’Asti, is a slightly sparkling (frizzante) wine that’s low in alcohol and high in natural grape sweetness. It’s like sipping on a glass of summer sunshine.

Pro Tip: Moscato’s low alcohol content makes it a great choice for daytime events or as an aperitif.

Comparing Wine Characteristics

Sweetness Levels

When it comes to sweetness, Riesling and Moscato play in different leagues. Riesling runs the gamut from bone-dry to dessert-level sweet. German Rieslings use a precise scale to indicate sweetness, from Trocken (dry) to Trockenbeerenauslese (intensely sweet). This range allows Riesling to cater to almost any palate preference.

Moscato, on the other hand, is almost always on the sweeter side. While you can find drier styles, most Moscatos embrace their natural sweetness. Moscato d’Asti, the poster child of the variety, typically contains significant residual sugar, giving it that characteristic dessert-like quality.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Riesling: 0-220 g/L residual sugar
• Moscato: 90-120 g/L residual sugar (Moscato d’Asti)

Acidity and Balance

Acidity is where Riesling truly shines. Even in its sweetest forms, Riesling maintains a bright, mouthwatering acidity that keeps the wine from feeling cloying. This balance of sweetness and acidity is what makes Riesling so food-friendly and age-worthy.

Moscato, while still containing some acidity, is generally softer and less tart than Riesling. The acidity in Moscato serves more to enhance its fruit flavors rather than provide a counterpoint to sweetness. This results in a rounder, more immediately approachable wine.

Think of it this way: Riesling is like biting into a crisp apple, while Moscato is more akin to enjoying a ripe peach.

Color Body and Texture

Visually, these wines offer distinct experiences. Riesling typically presents a pale straw to light golden color, sometimes with hints of green in younger wines. As it ages, Riesling can develop deeper golden hues.

Moscato, particularly Moscato d’Asti, often appears slightly cloudy due to its production method. It ranges from pale straw to light golden, with tiny bubbles in sparkling versions adding a playful visual element.

In terms of body, Riesling can vary from light to medium-bodied, depending on its sweetness level and origin. It often has a smooth, sometimes oily texture that coats the palate.

Moscato is generally light-bodied with a creamy texture. The slight effervescence in many Moscatos adds a delightful tickle on the tongue, enhancing its refreshing quality.

Alcohol Content

Alcohol content is another area where these wines diverge significantly. Riesling’s alcohol by volume (ABV) can range from about 8% in some sweet styles to 13% in drier versions. This variability allows Riesling to pair with a wide range of foods and occasions.

Moscato, especially Moscato d’Asti, is known for its low alcohol content, typically around 5.5% ABV. This makes it an excellent choice for light daytime sipping or as a gentle introduction to wine for new drinkers.

Remember: Lower alcohol content doesn’t mean less flavor – Moscato packs a punch in the aroma and taste department despite its modest ABV.

Flavor Profiles

Riesling Tasting Notes

Riesling is a flavor chameleon, offering a spectrum of tastes depending on its sweetness level and origin. At its core, Riesling presents a beautiful interplay of fruit and mineral notes.

In drier styles, expect:

• Crisp green apple
• Lemon and lime zest
• White peach
• Wet stone or slate

Sweeter Rieslings might showcase:

• Ripe pear
• Apricot
• Honey
• Jasmine

Aged Rieslings develop complex notes of:

• Petrol or kerosene (a prized characteristic)
• Beeswax
• Marmalade

The hallmark of a great Riesling is its ability to balance these flavors with razor-sharp acidity, creating a wine that’s both complex and refreshing.

Moscato Tasting Notes

Moscato is all about exuberant fruitiness and floral aromas. It’s like walking through an orchard in full bloom. The flavor profile is straightforward but utterly delightful.

Common tasting notes include:

• Fresh grapes (yes, it actually tastes like grapes!)
• Peach and apricot
• Orange blossom
• Honeysuckle
• Pear

Some Moscatos might also hint at:

• Lemon meringue
• Green apple
• Ginger

The key to Moscato’s appeal is its pure, uncomplicated expression of fruit. It’s not trying to be complex – it’s just trying to be delicious.

Wine Production Overview

Riesling Winemaking

Riesling winemaking is all about preserving the grape’s natural characteristics. The process typically involves:

1. Gentle pressing of the grapes
2. Cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks
3. Stopping fermentation early for sweeter styles

For the prized sweet wines, winemakers might use noble rot (botrytis cinerea) or freeze the grapes on the vine (for ice wine). These techniques concentrate sugars and flavors, creating intensely sweet and complex wines.

Riesling rarely sees oak aging, as the wood can overpower its delicate flavors. The goal is to let the grape’s natural acidity and fruit shine through.

Moscato Winemaking

Moscato production, particularly for Moscato d’Asti, involves a unique process:

1. Grapes are harvested and quickly pressed
2. The juice is chilled to near freezing to preserve aromatics
3. Fermentation begins in pressurized tanks
4. Fermentation is stopped by chilling when the desired sweetness and alcohol levels are reached

This method, known as the Asti method, results in a wine that’s naturally sweet and lightly sparkling. The quick pressing and cold temperatures help retain Moscato’s signature fruity and floral aromas.

Popular Growing Regions

Riesling Regions

Riesling finds its spiritual home in Germany, particularly in these regions:

• Mosel: Known for light, racy Rieslings with intense minerality
• Rheingau: Produces fuller-bodied, often drier styles
• Pfalz: Offers a range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet

Beyond Germany, notable Riesling regions include:

• Alsace, France: Known for dry, full-bodied Rieslings
• Clare and Eden Valleys, Australia: Produces zesty, lime-scented dry Rieslings
• Finger Lakes, New York: Crafts crisp, mineral-driven styles

Each region imparts its unique character to the wine, showcasing Riesling’s incredible versatility.

Moscato Regions

Moscato’s heartland is the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, specifically:

• Asti: The home of Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante
• Canelli: A subzone known for particularly high-quality Moscato

Outside Italy, you’ll find Moscato produced in:

• Australia’s Murray-Darling region
• California’s Central Valley
• Spain’s Valencia region

While these areas produce delightful Moscatos, the Italian versions, particularly from Asti, are considered the benchmark for quality and style.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairing with Riesling

Riesling’s versatility makes it a food-pairing superstar. Here are some winning combinations:

Dry Riesling:

• Sushi and sashimi
• Grilled fish
• Thai green curry

Off-dry Riesling:

• Spicy Indian curries
• Barbecue pork
• Peking duck

Sweet Riesling:

• Blue cheese
• Foie gras
• Fruit-based desserts

The key to pairing Riesling is to match the wine’s sweetness level with the dish’s intensity. The wine’s acidity helps cut through rich foods, while its sweetness can tame spicy heat.

Pairing with Moscato

Moscato’s sweet, fruity profile makes it a natural partner for:

• Fresh fruit and light desserts
• Brunch dishes like quiche or fruit salad
• Spicy Asian cuisine (the sweetness balances the heat)
• Salty cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano

Moscato also shines as an aperitif or with light appetizers. Its low alcohol content means it won’t overwhelm delicate flavors.

Pro Tip: Try Moscato with a cheese and fruit plate for a delightful end to a meal.

Serving and Enjoying

Ideal Serving Temperature

Getting the temperature right can make or break your wine experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Riesling:

• Dry styles: 45-50°F (7-10°C)
• Sweet styles: 40-45°F (4-7°C)

Moscato:

• 40-45°F (4-7°C)

Serving these wines too cold can mute their flavors, while too warm can make them feel flabby and lose their refreshing quality. If in doubt, err on the cooler side – the wine will warm up in the glass.

Quick Chill Trick: Submerge the bottle in a bucket of ice water for about 15 minutes.

Glassware and Presentation

The right glass can elevate your wine experience:

For Riesling:

• Use a tall, narrow white wine glass
• This shape concentrates aromas and maintains cool temperature

For Moscato:

• A small tulip-shaped glass works well
• For sparkling Moscato, a flute preserves bubbles

When pouring, fill the glass only about one-third full. This allows space for swirling and lets aromas develop.

Presentation Tip: Chill your glasses in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving to keep the wine cool longer.

Aging Potential

When it comes to aging, Riesling and Moscato are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

Riesling, especially from top producers in Germany and Alsace, can age beautifully for decades. The wine’s high acidity acts as a natural preservative, allowing it to develop complex flavors over time. Dry Rieslings can age for 5-15 years, while sweet styles can improve for 10-30 years or more.

As Riesling ages, it develops:

• Deeper golden color
• Petrol or kerosene aromas (highly prized)
• Nutty and honeyed flavors
• Increased complexity and depth

Moscato, on the other hand, is best enjoyed young and fresh. Its charm lies in its vibrant fruit flavors and floral aromas, which are at their peak shortly after bottling. Most Moscatos should be consumed within a year or two of release to fully appreciate their lively character.

Remember: Not all wines improve with age. When in doubt, drink your Moscato young and save the cellar space for age-worthy Rieslings.

Choosing Between Riesling and Moscato

Occasion-based Selection

Selecting between Riesling and Moscato often comes down to the occasion:

Riesling shines at:

• Formal dinners (dry styles)
• Spicy food nights
• Wine tasting events
• Holiday meals

Moscato is perfect for:

• Brunch gatherings
• Summer picnics
• Casual dessert parties
• As an aperitif before dinner

Consider the setting, the food, and the preferences of your guests when making your choice.

Personal Taste Preferences

Your palate should be the ultimate guide. Here’s a quick reference:

Choose Riesling if you enjoy:

• Wines with crisp acidity
• A range of sweetness levels
• Complex, mineral-driven flavors
• Wines that can age

Opt for Moscato if you prefer:

• Overtly fruity and floral wines
• Consistent sweetness
• Light, refreshing styles
• Lower alcohol content

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Your tastes may surprise you!

Popular Brands to Try

Ready to explore? Here are some widely available brands to start your Riesling and Moscato journey:

Riesling:

1. Dr. Loosen (Germany)
2. Chateau Ste. Michelle (Washington State)
3. Trimbach (Alsace)
4. Pewsey Vale (Australia)
5. Selbach-Oster (Germany)

Moscato:

1. Saracco Moscato d’Asti
2. Vietti Moscato d’Asti
3. Yellow Tail Moscato (Australia)
4. Barefoot Moscato (California)
5. Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato (Australia)

These selections offer a range of styles and price points, allowing you to discover your preferences.

Purchasing Tips

Navigating the wine aisle can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely:

1. Read the label carefully:

   • For Riesling, look for sweetness indicators (Trocken, Kabinett, Spätlese, etc.)
   • For Moscato, check if it’s still or sparkling

2. Consider the vintage:

   • Recent vintages are best for Moscato
   • Riesling can be enjoyed young or aged, depending on style

3. Look for quality indicators:

   • VDP classification for top German Rieslings
   • DOCG status for Moscato d’Asti

4. Don’t equate price with quality:

   • Many excellent Rieslings and Moscatos are affordable
   • Experiment with different price points to find your sweet spot

5. Ask for recommendations:

   • Wine shop staff can be incredibly helpful
   • Don’t be shy about stating your preferences and budget

Remember, the best wine is the one you enjoy. Trust your palate and have fun exploring!

Conclusion

Riesling and Moscato, while both sweet white wines, offer distinctly different experiences. Riesling captivates with its versatility, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, and its ability to express terroir. Its crisp acidity and complex flavors make it a darling of wine enthusiasts and a chameleon at the dinner table. Moscato, with its straightforward fruity sweetness and low alcohol, brings pure joy in a glass, perfect for casual sipping and celebrations.

As you continue your wine journey, don’t hesitate to explore both these delightful varieties. Each has its place in the world of wine, and each can bring something special to your table. Cheers to the wonderful world of sweet white wines – may your glass always be full of discovery and delight!