Innocent Bystander Moscato
Have this pretty pink bottle as an aperitif. Bruce Chapman, managing director at gourmet food store The Providore says, “Moscato is not a ‘sweet’ wine, that’s a big misconception. It is usually drunk pre-dinner or at brunch rather than as a traditional dessert wine, though it does go with desserts. This one is a great alternative to Champagne before dinner and compliments strong spicy flavors, so it goes really well with local food.”
$19.50 at the The Providore
Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato D’Asti
It’s a little predictable, but we’d be remiss not to provide a pairing with dessert. Gerald Lu, head sommelier at Praelum says, “I most often recommend having this moscato—which tastes of peaches, nectarines and white flowers—with our lime pie. The sweetness of the wine balances the sour pie.”
From $35/half bottle at Praelum Wine Bistro
Red Autumn
For something a little more inventive, swig moscato in this cool cocktail, a combination of Zonin moscato, raspberry puree and lime juice. Pillaert says, ”Moscato’s still mostly ordered by ladies. So we created this interesting cocktail to try and familiarize more people with it. I think the wine’s effervescence and elegant aromas of peach go very well with our raspberry mix.”
$16 at Napoleon
