Moscato and Champagne are very similar, but they are still very different alcoholic beverages.
They are both types of sparkling wine, and lots of people would call Moscato a kind of Champagne, but the two are actually different.
If you are just getting into sparkling wines, it can be a bit harder to tell the differences between them, but we are here to help you!
Below you will find everything you need to know about the differences between Moscato Vs. Champagne.
Next time you head to the store to get a bottle, you won’t think they are the same thing again!
What Is Champagne?
Champagne is a type of sparkling white wine that is made in the Champagne region of France.
It is typically made with specific kinds of grapes such as pinot noir, chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.
It can range from being very dry to very sweet, and there are plenty of different varieties of Champagne you can try for yourself.
The flavor of Champagne can vary between citrus, almond, and apple, and the alcohol percentages are usually moderate.
Authentic Champagne is usually only from the Champagne region of France, and lots of countries actually restrict the term being used for any sparkling wine that isn’t produced in that area.
What Is Moscato?
Moscato is a type of wine from Muscat grapes. It is well known for its peach and orange blossom flavors.
It is quite a sweet wine and it has a much lower alcohol percentage than other wines.
It originates from Italy, but the grapes used to make it now grow all over the world.
The popular Moscato di Asti style of wine is usually sparkling and it is much sweeter.
Moscato can also have a floral taste sometimes and Moscato is also a very popular ingredient used to make cocktails.
Moscato Vs. Champagne: What Is The Difference?
While they are similar, you are probably starting to see that the two sparkling wines are actually quite different.
In most cases, a Champagne needs to be made in the region of Champagne to have this name, whereas Moscato can be produced all over the world (Also check out Moscato VS Prosecco: What Do You Buy?).
Moscato also has certain requirements that need to be met in order for the wine to be classed as Moscato.
It must be made from Moscato grapes and it must also not undergo secondary fermentation like Champagne.
Moscato can be still, semi-sparkling, or sparkling, whereas Champagne is always sparkling.
Champagne must also be made from grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, whereas Moscato must be made from Moscato grapes.
Which One Is Sweeter?
Generally, Moscato is sweeter than Champagne. This is because Champagne can be anywhere from extremely dry to sweet, whereas Moscato is always sweet.
Champagne isn’t limited to just being sweet, and Moscato is never made to be dry.
Moscato Vs. Champagne: Taste Profiles
Another thing that will help you differentiate between Moscato and Champagne is of course the taste.
Champagne is known for being acidic, dry, and crisp, whereas Moscato is known for being sweet and fruity in flavor.
Moscato is so sweet that it is often used as a dessert wine, whereas Champagne is usually enjoyed during celebrations or as part of a savory meal.
Champagne also has finer, long-lasting bubbles, whereas the Moscato bubbles are larger, but don’t last as long.
Which Has A Higher Alcohol Content?
Of the two, Moscato usually has a lower alcohol content. In some cases, it can have as little as 5% of alcohol.
Champagne has a higher percentage though, which can range between 12% and 13%.
However, you can come across some Moscato that is much higher in percentage, just like you can come across Champagne that is much lower.
This isn’t a common occurrence though, and classic Champagne is always going to have a higher alcohol content than classic Moscato.
Moscato Vs. Champagne: Meal Pairings
As previously mentioned, Moscato is more of a dessert wine, so it goes better with sweeter dishes.
It can be served with some savory dishes, such as salads or even seafood, but it is meant to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a sweet dessert.
Moscato is very rarely enjoyed with savory dishes, and it is always better to save it for sweeter meals and desserts, or anything light and refreshing.
Champagne on the other hand is a sparkling wine that is meant to be enjoyed with savory food.
It is an incredibly versatile type of wine that can be enjoyed with many different varieties of food.
Some of the most popular options include poultry, cheese, seafood, and even spicy meals.
The acidity of Champagne helps it to cut through rich and fatty foods, which is why it’s such a fantastic accompaniment to many different savory recipes.
It can also be enjoyed by itself and is frequently the drink of choice at any celebration.
Conclusion
On the surface, Moscato and Champagne might seem like they are the same thing, but now you have taken a deeper look into them, you can see this isn’t the case.
The easiest way to remember the difference is that if the sparkling wine was made outside of Champagne, it very likely isn’t Champagne.
And Moscato is usually enjoyed as a dessert wine, whereas Champagne is reserved for more savory dishes.
Regardless of which one you prefer though, both types of sparkling wine are worth trying!
I can offer you articles and information about wine from a seasoned sommelier, and now a winemaker too! I hope that you enjoy some of our articles, and start thinking outside of the box when it comes to wine.
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