Muscat, or Moscato, is grown in nearly every region on the planet, producing a dizzying array of wines with many monikers. Heavily perfumed and sweet, some theorize that the name was derived from the French “musque” literally to be perfumed. California’s sunbaked hillsides and cool Mediterranean summer nights make a happy home for the grape. The 2010 Terra d’Oro Moscato grapes came from the sandiest, shallowest piece of our Artois Vineyard. The well draining soil and careful irrigation program ensure a light crop and thus the intense perfume indicative of proper ripeness.
Our winemaking process for Terra d’Oro Moscato is dramatically different from our other wines. The grapes are destemmed and crushed to stainless steel tanks and left overnight before pressing. Referred to as the “cap and drain” method, the majority of whole berries float atop the tank. This delivers more varietal intensity. After gentle pressing, seventy percent of the juice is inoculated with yeast. The balance of sweet juice is stored at very low temperatures. Only by eventually blending dry wine with sweet juice are we able to achieve such balance.
The 2010 Terra d'Oro Moscato opens with an elegant bouquet of honeysuckle, orange blossom, litchi, and nectarine. Crisp acidity keeps the mouthfeel rich and balanced, with flavors of apricot and delicate rose petals. Try pairing the Moscato with a fresh peach tart or angel food cake topped with raspberries and cream.
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