Celebrate Valentine’s Day with something sweet, but not too sweet. Moscato D’Andrea is a sweet white wine with the taste of pears. Unlike Moscato D’Asti or Moscato Allegro, this wine is not bubbly or sparkly.
Moscato D’Asti is closer to champagne, sweet with a fair amount of sparkle. The best I’ve tried is Michele Chiarlo’s Nivole Moscato D’Asti, which is rather inexpensive compared to most bottles of Moscato D’Asti, which can go for $25-30. Moscato Allegro, which is a specialty of Martin & Weyrich, is bright, sweet, but not quite as bubbly. Of the three, this one is my favorite.
At the end of the spectrum is Moscato D’Andrea, which is a great choice if you find the others too sweet or too fizzy. D’Andrea is a little drier, but still has the fruity taste you would expect from a Moscato.
All of these are available at the World Market for less than $15 a bottle. Any would be perfect for a romantic dinner, such as Valentine’s Day or an anniversary. Though slightly different, they are all dessert wines and should be served chilled in narrow glass. Enjoy a bottle with someone special, or save it all for yourself.
