Moscato madness offers big opportunities

The news that Muscat has taken over Sauvignon Blanc’s third place after Chardonnay and Pinot Gris/Grigio as most popular white varietal in the US according to this article in Wines and Vines opens up enormous potential for certain wine regions.

Of course it is not rich, sweet, powerful wines such as Muscat de Rivesaltes or Rutherglen Muscat that have won over the American market. It is light, sweet liquid labelled Moscato that has done the trick – thanks mainly to heavy promotion in rap lyrics and behaviour from the likes of Drake above left. Moscato and vodka is apparently a...