The Core Ingredient: Muscat Grapes
At its heart, Moscato is made from the aromatic Muscat grape, one of the world's oldest grape varieties. Barefoot specifically uses the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains variety for its white and pink Moscato, sourced from California vineyards. These grapes are naturally high in sugar, which contributes significantly to the wine's characteristic sweetness. The base wine is created by fermenting the grape must, or pulp, allowing a portion of the sugar to convert to alcohol.
The Sweetness: More Than Just Grapes
While Moscato grapes are naturally sweet, Barefoot employs a specific technique to control the sweetness level and keep the alcohol content lower than typical dry wines. This is achieved by arresting the fermentation process early, a method that leaves behind a significant amount of residual sugar. In the case of Barefoot's popular fruit-flavored Moscato variants, such as Peach and Apple, the ingredient list explicitly notes the addition of cane sugar, along with natural flavors, to achieve their distinct profiles.
Barefoot Moscato: An Ingredient Breakdown
For those curious about the specifics, the ingredient list for Barefoot's flavored Moscato provides a clear picture of what goes into the bottle.
- Grape Wine: The fermented base, primarily from Muscat grapes.
- Carbonated Water: Added to provide the gentle effervescence found in some Moscato styles.
- Cane Sugar: Used to sweeten the flavored varieties beyond the natural residual sugar from the grapes.
- Natural Flavors: Used to introduce or enhance the notes of peach, apple, or other fruits present in specific variants.
- Potassium Citrate, Citric Acid: Acidity regulators used to balance the wine's flavor profile.
- Potassium Sorbate: A preservative that prevents the growth of mold and yeast, ensuring stability.
- Sulfiting Agents: Standard preservatives added to prevent oxidation and spoilage.
Common Allergens and Additives
It is important for consumers to be aware of potential allergens and additives. Vivino, a wine information service, lists egg and milk allergens for Barefoot Moscato, suggesting their use in the fining process. A representative ingredient list also confirms the presence of sulfiting agents. For specific dietary needs, checking the label is always the safest option.
Barefoot Moscato vs. Traditional Italian Moscato d'Asti
To understand how Barefoot's popular style differs from its Italian counterpart, a side-by-side comparison is helpful.
| Feature | Barefoot Moscato | Traditional Moscato d'Asti |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Grapes | Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains | Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains |
| Sweetness Source | Primarily residual grape sugar, with added cane sugar in flavored varieties | Naturally sweet from residual grape sugar |
| Carbonation Level | Still or lightly carbonated, depending on the specific product | Semi-sparkling (frizzante) |
| Added Flavors | Natural flavors for specific fruity profiles | Flavor profile comes exclusively from the grapes |
| Origin | California, USA | Asti region, Piedmont, Italy |
Conclusion
The ingredients in Barefoot Moscato reveal a process that is both traditional and adapted for mass-market appeal. While the foundation is the classic Muscat grape, additional ingredients like natural flavors, cane sugar (in some varieties), and preservatives are used to ensure its consistent, sweet, and fruity profile. For consumers, this means a reliable and affordable wine, but for those seeking a purer, more traditional expression, the ingredient list highlights the key differences. This transparency allows enthusiasts to make informed choices based on their preferences for sweetness, flavor complexity, and production method.
For more information on the use of sulfites, you can visit the official Barefoot Wines FAQ page.
Flavor Profile List
- White Moscato: Notes of juicy peach, ripe apricots, and hints of citrus.
- Pink Moscato: Features flavors of juicy cherry, tart raspberry, and sweet pomegranate.
- Apple Moscato: Contains natural flavors to produce a distinct apple profile.
- Peach Moscato: Enhanced with natural peach and apricot flavors.
