Terra d'Oro Moscato

Vineyard & Varietal Information

Muscat, or Moscato, is grown in nearly every region on the planet, producing a dizzying array of wines with many monikers. Heavily perfumed and sweet, some theorize that the name was derived from the French “musque” literally to be perfumed. California’s sunbaked hillsides and cool Mediterranean summer nights make a happy home for the grape. The Terra d’Oro Moscato grapes came from the sandiest, shallowest piece of our Artois Vineyard. The well draining soil and careful irrigation program ensure a light crop and thus the intense perfume indicative of proper ripeness.

Winemaking

Our winemaking process for Terra d’Oro Moscato is dramatically different from our other wines. The grapes are destemmed and crushed to stainless steel tanks and left overnight before pressing. Referred to as the “cap and drain” method, the majority of whole berries float atop the tank. This delivers more varietal intensity. After gentle pressing, seventy percent of the juice is inoculated with yeast. The balance of sweet juice is stored at very low temperatures. Only by eventually blending dry wine with sweet juice are we able to achieve such balance.

Tasting Notes

The Terra d'Oro Muscato has intoxicating aromas of perfumed peach blossom and fresh honeysuckle. A sweet, creamy lemon cheesecake flavor is accompanied by bright fresh apricot and white peach fruit on the palate. Crisp acidity keeps the mouthfeel rich and balanced with lingering notes of rose petal on the finish. Our Moscato is perfectly paired to fresh fruit desserts or with spicy Thai or Indian dishes.