Moscato wine, a delightful wine style known for its low alcohol, perfume, and spritzy nature, is a fun wine to enjoy with a bit of cheese.
Below, you’ll find 9 Moscato cheese pairing recommendations for your next lazy afternoon.
Understanding Moscato Wine Style
Moscato wines, or what you’re probably thinking about Moscato wines, are characterized by their sweet kiss, perfumed and floral honeyed aromas, and slight effervescence. They’re lower in alcohol and ripe in aromas.
Helpful Tip: Did you know there are many different styles of Muscat wine? If you’re newer to wine, go check out this Muscat Wine Guide.
Moscato and Cheese Pairing Quick Tips: Does and Don’ts
The fruit-forward nature of Moscato will work with stronger cheeses as well as creamy cheeses. In general, stay away from cheese infused with chili peppers, garlic, smoke, and strong, earthy herbs (e.g., dill).
Moscato Cheese Pairing: 9 Matches
Here are some ideal pairings to complement your Moscato wine:
Fresh Goat Cheese: Always Works
Fresh goat cheese, with its creamy and tangy profile, pairs wonderfully with Moscato wines. The lightness of the cheese complements the bright and fruity notes of the wine, resulting in a harmonious and palate-pleasing combination.
Remember: Stay away from goat cheese with stronger flavor combinations, like garlic or chili. This will clash with the floral perfume and sweetness in your Moscato wine.
Brie
The creamy and slightly nutty Brie cheese provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness and bubbles of Moscato wine. The soft, buttery texture and mild flavors of Brie beautifully enhance the fruitiness of the wine.
Camembert
Camembert, a rich and creamy cheese with a delicate mushroomy flavor, is an excellent match for Moscato. Its soft, creamy texture complements the light and crisp characteristics of the wine.
Blue Cheeses: Gorgonzola
If you’ve ever had a blue cheese with a sweet quince jam, you know where this is going. The residual sugar in Moscato wines balances out that earthy tang in blue cheese, creating a special synergy.
Also Try:
- Roquefort
- Stilton
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella, with its delicate and milky taste, is a great choice for Moscato pairings. Its soft texture and mild flavors complement the light and fruity notes of the wine.
Helpful Pairing Tip: Stay away from the garlic and herb-infused Mozzarella. Keep things fresh with just plain Mozzarella balls.
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Chèvre, or goat cheese, with its creamy, tangy taste, is a classic choice for pairing with Moscato wine. The acidity and fresh profile of this soft cheese complement the Moscato’s sweet kiss.
Pro Tip: Goat cheese is one of my go-to pairings for lighter wines. I always keep this on hand for last-minute guests. Discover: Goat Cheese and Wine Pairing Guide
Feta
Feta, a tangy and crumbly cheese, pairs well with Moscato. Its salty and slightly briny flavors complement the wine’s bright and fruity characteristics. Feta will work well with both dry and off-dry Moscato wine styles.
Provolone
Provolone, a semi-firm Italian cheese with a mild tangy flavor, offers a delightful pairing with Moscato. Its smooth texture and subtle flavors complement the wine’s profile.
Personal Note: Provolone is one of my favorite Moscato and cheese pairings.
Parmesan
Parmesan, a hard and aged Italian cheese with a rich, nutty flavor, can be grated or shaved and paired with Moscato. Its intense and savory taste provides a lovely contrast to the wine’s brightness.
Final Thoughts: Moscato and Cheese Pairing Ideas
Begin your Moscato and cheese pairing adventure by considering the profile of the cheese you’re thinking about purchasing.
Select a variety of cheeses to taste alongside your Moscato wine, allowing you to explore the interplay of flavors and textures. Try:
- 1 Goat Cheese
- 1 Provolone
- 1 Fresh Mozzarella
Remember, experimentation is key when it comes to pairing foods and wines, so be sure to try different combinations to discover your favorite Moscato and cheese pairings.
Thirsty for More?
Getting started with food and wine pairing? Check out this quick guide.
Here’s a full list of many more sweet white wines worth your time.
Hosting a wine night? Here are a list of easy appetizers for wine tasting.
