Le Grand Noir Moscato

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

Muscat (also called moscato) is one of the world’s oldest grape varieties, and it’s riding a wave of resurgence.

Thanks to the popularity among younger wine drinkers and promotion through the hip-hop scene, moscato sales are soaring. It is now the No. 3 white wine in the country.

The grapes for Le Grand are sourced from a French wine cooperative in the Minervois area, where they are grown in limestone and clay soils with a Mediterranean climate.

Moscato is traditionally sweet and lower in alcohol at the 7 to 9 percent range, which makes it a good choice for entry-level wine drinkers who are looking for something better than white zinfandel.

Sherry: “Slightly astringent with flavors of lime and honey.” 2-1/2 stars

Chris: “Honey and pineapple bouquet with flavors of pear and apricot and a citrus finish.” 3 stars

Available locally for about $7.

Coming next week: Stag’s Leap Merlot