Menage A Trois Moscato

Ménage à Trois Moscato is a semi-sparkling California white wine blending three varietals at 9.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 90 points by The Tasting Panel (April/May 2021), this expression distinguishes itself from typical still Moscatos through enhanced carbonation and a three-grape blend that delivers layered sweetness balanced by crisp acidity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.5%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Style: Semi-Sparkling Sweet White  |  Producer: Trinchero Family Estates (Folie à Deux Winery)

Production & Heritage

Ménage à Trois Moscato is produced by Trinchero Family Estates at the Folie à Deux winery in St. Helena, Napa Valley. The wine is a blend of Moscato, French Colombard, and Chenin Blanc — a trio that gives the brand its name and sets it apart from single-varietal Moscatos on the market. Cold fermentation at 50°F preserves the delicate aromatics of each grape, while 100% non-malolactic fermentation maintains bright, crisp acidity that prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying. Enhanced carbonation is introduced to create its signature semi-sparkling mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Orange zest and honeysuckle lead the nose, followed by a wave of orange blossom and ripe stone fruit. There is a subtle floral lift that deepens as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is bright with ripe peach and pineapple, immediately framed by delicate carbonation that gives it an effervescent lift. At mid-palate, honey sweetness emerges alongside lush apricot, while the French Colombard and Chenin Blanc components contribute a balancing thread of acidity that keeps the profile fresh and structured.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering notes of honeyed stone fruit and a clean citrus snap. The fine carbonation carries through to the end, leaving the palate refreshed rather than heavy.

How to Drink Ménage à Trois Moscato

Serve well chilled, between 40–45°F, in a white wine glass to concentrate the floral aromatics. This wine is enjoyable on its own as a refreshing pour but also works beautifully in cocktails. A Moscato Sangria benefits from its semi-sparkling character and stone fruit flavors, adding natural effervescence without extra soda. A Peach Bellini variation pairs its honeyed peach notes with peach purée for a layered brunch drink. A Moscato Spritz — built with a splash of elderflower liqueur and soda water — takes advantage of the wine's existing carbonation and floral profile.

Best For

• Warm-weather patio sipping and outdoor entertaining
• Introducing sweet wine drinkers to a semi-sparkling style
• Brunch gatherings as a lighter alternative to Prosecco
• Pairing with fruit-forward desserts at the end of a meal

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ménage à Trois Moscato taste like? It tastes of ripe peach, pineapple, and honey with prominent floral and orange blossom aromatics, balanced by crisp acidity and a lively semi-sparkling effervescence.

How does Ménage à Trois Moscato compare to Barefoot Moscato? Both are popular, accessibly priced sweet Moscatos from California, but Ménage à Trois uses a three-grape blend (Moscato, French Colombard, and Chenin Blanc) rather than a single-varietal approach, resulting in a more layered profile. Its enhanced carbonation also gives it a semi-sparkling character that Barefoot's still Moscato does not share.

Is Ménage à Trois Moscato good for beginners? Yes — its approachable sweetness, low 9.5% ABV, and gentle effervescence make it an excellent entry point for those new to wine or those who prefer sweeter styles.

Where is Ménage à Trois Moscato made? It is produced at the Folie à Deux winery in St. Helena, California, by Trinchero Family Estates, one of the largest family-owned wine companies in the United States.

What foods pair well with Ménage à Trois Moscato? Fresh fruit tarts complement its peach and apricot notes; mild Thai or Vietnamese dishes echo its sweetness while the acidity cuts through spice; soft cheeses like brie match its honeyed texture; grilled shrimp with citrus glaze mirrors its orange zest aromatics; and angel food cake with berries provides a light pairing that doesn't overpower the wine's delicate carbonation.

What sizes does Ménage à Trois Moscato come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, and it is also commonly available in a 1.5L format.

Is Ménage à Trois Moscato worth the price? It positions as an entry-level sweet wine that over-delivers for its tier, evidenced by its 90-point score from The Tasting Panel — a strong mark for a wine in this value category.

Why Ménage à Trois Moscato?

What separates this wine from the crowded sweet Moscato field is its deliberate three-varietal construction. While most competitors rely on Muscat alone, the addition of French Colombard and Chenin Blanc introduces structural acidity and aromatic complexity that a single grape cannot achieve on its own. Cold fermentation at 50°F and the avoidance of malolactic fermentation are intentional choices to preserve brightness and prevent the wine from tipping into flat sweetness. The 90-point score from The Tasting Panel confirms that the approach works — this is a sweet wine built with more thought than its accessible price point might suggest.