Moscato is one of the oldest and most widely cultivated grape varieties in the world. It arrived in Greece from Asia Minor and later spread to Italy, southern France, and Spain. There are many different types of Moscato, with the small-berried White Moscato (also known as Muscat of Samos, Muscat of Spina) being the most esteemed clone for winemaking.
As a plant, it thrives in warmth and sunlight, and its sensitivity to diseases makes dry, warm regions ideal for its cultivation. It has an early flowering period and a relatively late ripening, with harvests in mountainous vineyards sometimes extending into October.
Wines made from Moscato boast rich, intense, and distinctive aromas, making them easily recognizable to everyone. Rose petals, jasmine, red candy, bergamot, peach, apricot, and honey are just a few of the notes you might find. They typically have moderate acidity and a captivating finish. The types of wine produced encompass all styles, from refined still wines to refreshing sparkling options and generously sweet wines. The use of oak is rare, but when it occurs, it is subtle and supportive, enhancing the wine's natural bouquet. The wood allows the wine to "breathe," providing small doses of oxygen that lend a ripe tone to the fruity aromas and develop characteristics of nuts and dried flowers.
White Moscato is involved in the production of the following Protected Designation of Origin wines, either entirely or in combination with other varieties: PDO Samos, PDO Moschato Patras, PDO Moschato Rio Patras, PDO Moschato Kefalonia, PDO Moschato Rhodes, PDO Malvasia – Sitia, PDO Malvasia Chandakas – Candia.