It’s National Muscat Day, celebrating a wine that hasn’t been discovered by enough Americans—especially those who enjoy a fruity wine with a touch of sweetness.

We’ve enjoyed white Moscato for years, as well as the sparkling styles like Asti Spumante and its semi-sparkling cousin, Moscato d’Asti (both made in the Piedmont region of Italy).

But we only recently received our first bottle of red Moscato, from our friends at Gallo Vineyards. It retails for about $7.99 per bottle, and we’ll be bringing bottles of both red and white Moscato to gatherings this summer.

 
THE HISTORY OF MOSCATO

Once upon a time, in a land called Muscat and Oman (a country that encompassed the present day Sultanate of Oman and parts of the United Arab Emirates), a wine was enjoyed so much that someone brought the grape seeds back to Rome for cultivation.

In turn, the Roman Legions brought Moscato to Gaul (encompassing present-day France). Today France and Italy are renowned producers of Muscat.

The are different strains of the muscat grape, including Muscat noir, black Muscat, which has a dark skin (red to dark purple) and is used to make the red variety.

Moscato is light bodied and low in alcohol—meaning that most people can have a second glass without feeling it. Gallo’s red Moscato has a perfumed nose and a palate laden with notes of citrus, honey and peach.

With its delicate sweetness and fresh acidity, this refreshing, medium-bodied wine is best enjoyed chilled, with anything from a cheese place to spice cuisine to dessert.

Here’s more on moscato, including 13 different ways to serve it.