Grape comparison
Riesling vs. Moscato
Riesling ranges from dry to very sweet and often has lively acidity. Moscato d'Asti is sweet, gently sparkling and lower in alcohol. Other Muscat wines can be dry, so compare the style on the label as well as the grape name.
The two contenders
Bottle 01
Riesling
Riesling can taste citrusy, apple-like or peachy, with high acidity. For a dry German example, look for trocken. Spätlese describes a grape-ripeness category and can appear on dry or sweeter wines. Check the producer's sweetness information.
Bottle 02
Moscato
Moscato is made from aromatic Muscat grapes and commonly tastes like peach, apricot, orange blossom, and ripe pear. Moscato d'Asti is sweet, gently sparkling, and lower in alcohol, while still and fully sparkling Muscat wines can differ in sweetness and strength.
The breakdown
At a glance
Every difference that matters, side by side.
| Attribute | Riesling | Moscato |
|---|---|---|
01Sweetness | Dry to very sweet | Moscato d'Asti is sweet. Dry Muscat styles also exist |
02Acidity | Usually high | Usually lower than Riesling |
03Alcohol | Varies by style | Moscato d'Asti is lower in alcohol. Check other styles individually |
04Fruit | Lime, green apple, apricot | Peach, orange, ripe pear |
05Other notes | Petrol (in aged versions), honey | Orange blossom, honey, slight fizz |
06Best with | Spicy food, pork, Asian dishes | Fruit desserts, brunch, on its own |
The verdict
When to choose each
Reach for
Riesling
- 01You're eating spicy food and want acidity
- 02You want a wine that pairs with food
- 03You want to choose among dry and sweeter styles
Reach for
Moscato
- 01You're serving dessert or fruit
- 02You want Moscato d'Asti's sweet, gently sparkling style
- 03You prefer peach and orange-blossom aromas over lime and mineral notes
The bottom line
Choose Riesling when you want higher acidity and a true dry-to-sweet range. Choose Moscato d'Asti when you want a sweet, floral, peach-driven wine with gentle bubbles and lower alcohol.
Go deeper
Learn more about each wine
Germany, Alsace, Australia
Riesling
Riesling is a highly aromatic white wine with lime, green apple, peach, apricot, flowers, and sometimes honey or a petrol-like note as it ages. It can be bone dry, off-dry, or sweet, and its high acidity keeps the wine bright.
Italy (Asti)
Moscato
Moscato usually tastes sweet and strongly aromatic, with ripe peach, apricot, pear, orange blossom, and honeysuckle. Moscato d'Asti is gently sparkling and typically lower in alcohol, while still and fully sparkling Moscato styles can differ.
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