Moscato Rosa

Moscato Rosa is a red-skinned Italian grape mostly cultivated in Alto Adige and Trentino. The name rosa (pink) is not a reference to the color of the skins or the wine but to the rose aroma that is typical for these wines. The grape is mainly used to produce sweet wines, especially late-harvest and passito (made from dried grapes) styles.

The wines are garnet-colored with an intense aroma reminiscent of berries and rosewater, with hints of spice (mostly cinnamon). The wines have a good balance of acidity and sweetness and a long, fruity, and subtly spicy finish. This wine should be paired with chocolate or fruit desserts, pastries, or blue cheese.

It can also be excellent on its own. There are many speculations about the origin of Moscato Rosa, but the most cited version suggests possible Croatian origins. Interestingly, it turned out that Trentino Moscato Rosa is identical to a Croatian variety Muškat Ruža Porečki.

The grape is also cultivated in Austria and France (Alsace), but the Italian version is believed to be a distinct variety. Italian Moscato Rosa is usually of exceptional quality, and it should not be confused with eponymous wines based on Muscat Blanc with the addition of red wine.