Moscato Giallo, white wine grape variety grown in north-east Italy, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Alto Adige and Trentino. In Veneto’s Colli Euganei Moscato Giallo is the main variety in Colli Euganei Fior d’Arancio DOCG (still, sparkling or passito), whereas Moscato Bianco is the principal variety in Colli Euganei DOC Moscato (still or sparkling). Other wines made with Moscato Giallo include Trentino DOC Moscato Giallo (typically labelled Goldenmuskateller)–these should not to be confused with the Gelber Muskateller of Germany and Austria which is Moscato Bianco.

Wine style: Aromas of yellow flowers, sweet spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), white pepper, orange blossom, and lychee. Less ‘grapey’ than Moscato Bianco, or the date-like quality of Muscat of Alexandria (‘Zibibbo’). Because Moscato Giallo is lower in acidity, the sweeter versions seem sweeter (as do the dry) than Moscato Bianco.

Bibliography

See Dr Ian d’Agata, Native Wine Grapes of Italy (University of California Press, 2014).