Mirassou Moscato

Mirassou Moscato is a sweet California Moscato made from night-harvested Muscat grapes, bottled at 7.5% ABV in a 750ml format. The 2018 vintage earned 89 points from Wine Enthusiast critic Jim Gordon and a Silver Medal at the TEXSOM International Wine Awards, establishing it as a standout among value-priced sweet wines.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.5%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Varietal: Muscat  |  Winery: Mirassou (produced by E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto, CA)

Production & Heritage

The Mirassou name traces back to one of California's oldest winemaking families, though the brand is now produced by E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto, California. All Muscat grapes used in this wine are harvested at night to preserve the delicate aromatic compounds that define the varietal. Fermentation takes place in upright stainless steel tanks at a cool 55°F, and the process is deliberately cut short to retain natural residual sweetness — a technique that also keeps the alcohol at a restrained 7.5%.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Orange blossom leads the nose, followed by ripe peach, sweet pineapple, and a lift of citrus zest. The floral and tropical aromatics are vibrant, a direct result of the cool-temperature fermentation and night harvesting.

Taste: The entry is soft and sweet, immediately delivering ripe tropical fruit and mandarin orange. Mid-palate, honey notes emerge alongside juicy peach, while a thread of tangy acidity cuts through the sweetness and keeps the wine from becoming cloying. A rich, mouth-coating texture carries through despite a slight effervescence that adds freshness.

Finish: The finish lingers with residual stone fruit sweetness and a faint floral echo. That gentle effervescence lifts the close, leaving a clean, refreshing impression.

How to Drink Mirassou Moscato

Serve well chilled, between 40–45°F, to highlight the aromatic intensity and keep the sweetness in balance. This Moscato is a natural sipper on its own but also works in several light cocktails. A Moscato Spritz — topped with soda water and a slice of peach — amplifies the wine's effervescence. A White Sangria benefits from the built-in tropical fruit character, reducing the need for added sugar. A Moscato Mule, combining the wine with ginger beer and fresh lime, plays the citrus and honey notes against a spicy backdrop.

Best For

• Warm-weather patio sipping with friends
• Introducing someone new to wine who prefers sweeter flavors
• Pairing with a casual brunch spread
• Bringing as a crowd-pleasing bottle to a potluck or cookout

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Mirassou Moscato taste like? It delivers sweet peach, tropical pineapple, and mandarin orange flavors layered with honey, all balanced by bright acidity and a touch of effervescence.

How does Mirassou Moscato compare to Barefoot Moscato? Both occupy the same affordable sweet Moscato segment, but Mirassou tends to show more complexity in its floral and tropical aromatics — a quality reflected in its 89-point Wine Enthusiast score. Barefoot Moscato leans slightly simpler and fruitier, making the two close competitors with Mirassou edging ahead on critical recognition.

Is Mirassou Moscato good for beginners? Its low 7.5% ABV, approachable sweetness, and bright fruit flavors make it one of the most accessible wines for those just starting to explore the category.

Where is Mirassou Moscato made? Mirassou Moscato is produced by E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto, California, using Muscat grapes sourced from California vineyards.

What foods pair well with Mirassou Moscato? Fresh fruit salads echo the wine's tropical notes. Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone complement its creamy texture. Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes find balance against the residual sweetness. Light pastries and fruit tarts mirror the peach and honey flavors. Prosciutto-wrapped melon provides a savory-sweet contrast that works particularly well.

What sizes does Mirassou Moscato come in? Mirassou Moscato is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle as well as a 1.5L magnum format.

Is Mirassou Moscato worth the price? Positioned squarely as an entry-level California Moscato, it delivers uncommon polish for its price tier — the 89-point Wine Enthusiast score and multiple silver medals suggest quality that punches above its weight among budget sweet wines.

Why Mirassou Moscato?

Night harvesting is a meaningful production step rarely emphasized at this price point; it preserves the volatile aromatics that give this Moscato its pronounced orange blossom and tropical nose. The cool 55°F stainless steel fermentation, halted early to lock in natural sweetness, results in a wine that stays light at 7.5% ABV without sacrificing depth of flavor. An 89-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and silver medals from both the TEXSOM International Wine Awards and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition validate what the glass confirms: this is a seriously well-made sweet wine at an accessible price. For anyone seeking a Moscato that balances genuine aromatic complexity with easygoing drinkability, Mirassou consistently earns its place at the top of the value tier.