Moscato (2024)

About this wine

This is a single varietal Moscato from Sicily labeled Terre Siciliane IGT, made from Muscat grapes. On the nose it shows classic Moscato notes of orange blossom, jasmine and fresh citrus, with ripe peach and apricot beneath. The palate is noticeably fruity and slightly sweet, balanced by a crisp acidity and a light, almost spritzy texture that keeps the wine lively. Fermentation is temperature controlled and carried out in stainless steel to preserve the variety's aromatic character, and the winery reports cold maceration with reduced oxygen to protect the perfumes. The alcohol is low at about 8.5 percent which makes the wine feel fresh and easy to drink, and the finish stays clean with a pleasant citrus lift.

About the grape

Moscato is an ancient Muscat family grape with roots in the eastern Mediterranean that the Greeks and Romans brought to Sicily and the island has been growing aromatic Muscat vines for centuries. In this bottling Stemmari uses 100 percent Moscato grown on sandy Sicilian soils trained with the espalier system at about 4500 vines per acre, practices that favor even ripening and preserve the grape's floral aromas. The winery manages the fruit with cold maceration and temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation to keep the Muscat character bright and fragrant in the final Terre Siciliane IGT wine.

Quick facts

• 🍾 Stemmari Moscato is unusually low in alcohol for a wine, at about 8.5 percent, which helps its bright, playful character shine.
• 🏅 The wine regularly wins gold medals at international competitions, making it a tiny priced bottle with a trophy case reputation.
• 🌊 Stemmari grows its Moscato on sandy Sicilian soils and trains vines in an espalier system at high planting density, which concentrates aromatic power.
• 🔩 The bottle is made for easy enjoyment, usually sealed with a screw cap so the floral Muscat aromas stay fresh from first pour to last.
• 🏭 Stemmari is part of the Mezzacorona family, a large cooperative that invested heavily in Sicily, letting this everyday Moscato benefit from big scale vineyards and modern cellar techniques.

Palate profile

Producer

Stemmari, established in 2001, is situated on the island of Sicily, Italy. The winery is renowned for its commitment to sustainable winemaking practices, being the second in Italy to earn Eco-Management and Audit Scheme certification. The name 'Stemmari' derives from 'stemma,' meaning coat of arms, referencing the 17th-century building in Acate that once served as a noble residence. The winery's architecture reflects traditional Sicilian 'baglio' style, blending historical design with modern technology to produce wines that embody the rich flavors of Sicily.