When reaching for a bottle of sparkling wine that won't break the bank, most people find themselves choosing between two Italian favourites: Moscato and Prosecco. Both are refreshing, affordable, and perfect for celebrations or casual sipping. But despite their similarities, these wines are fundamentally different in almost every way—from the grapes used to the flavours in your glass.
Understanding these differences will help you choose the right wine for any occasion and appreciate what makes each style special. Let's dive into the fascinating world of Italian bubbles.
The Basics: What They Are
Moscato
Moscato is made from Muscat grapes, one of the oldest grape families in the world. The most common style is Moscato d'Asti from Piedmont, Italy—a semi-sparkling (frizzante) wine known for its sweet flavour and low alcohol content (typically 5-7%). Moscato is characterised by its intensely aromatic, floral character with notes of peach, apricot, and orange blossom.
Prosecco
Prosecco is made from Glera grapes, grown primarily in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy. It's typically fully sparkling (spumante) with higher alcohol than Moscato (11-12%). Prosecco is usually dry to off-dry, with flavours of green apple, pear, citrus, and white flowers.
While both wines are associated with Italy, they come from different regions: Moscato from Piedmont in the northwest, Prosecco from Veneto in the northeast. Each region imparts unique characteristics to its wines.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Sweetness Level
This is the most significant difference between the two wines.
Moscato is a decidedly sweet wine. With residual sugar typically between 80-120 grams per litre, its sweetness is immediately apparent and central to its character. The sweetness is balanced by acidity but remains a defining feature.
Prosecco ranges from dry to off-dry. Most Prosecco falls into the "Brut" (dry) or "Extra Dry" (confusingly, slightly sweeter than Brut) categories, with residual sugar between 6-17 grams per litre. While Prosecco can taste fruity, it's not what most people would describe as "sweet."
Alcohol Content
Moscato: Typically 5-7% ABV. This low alcohol is achieved by stopping fermentation early, which also preserves natural grape sugars. The low alcohol contributes to Moscato's light, easy-drinking character.
Prosecco: Typically 11-12% ABV. This is comparable to most other sparkling wines and white table wines. The higher alcohol gives Prosecco more body and a different mouthfeel.
Key Takeaway
If you're looking for lower alcohol content, Moscato is the clear choice at roughly half the alcohol of Prosecco. This makes Moscato popular for longer afternoon events where pacing matters.
Bubbles and Texture
Moscato (particularly Moscato d'Asti) is typically frizzante—lightly sparkling with gentle, delicate bubbles. The mousse is soft and creamy rather than aggressively fizzy. Some Australian sparkling Moscatos are made with more vigorous bubbles in the spumante style.
Prosecco is spumante—fully sparkling with persistent, fine bubbles. The effervescence is more pronounced and creates a livelier mouthfeel. This makes Prosecco feel crisper and more refreshing to many drinkers.
Flavour Profile
Moscato offers intense, distinctive aromas and flavours:
- Orange blossom and honeysuckle florals
- Ripe stone fruits (peach, apricot, nectarine)
- Tropical hints of lychee and pineapple
- Musky, grapey notes
- Honey sweetness
Prosecco tends toward crisper, more subtle flavours:
- Green apple and pear
- Citrus (lemon, lime)
- White flowers (acacia, wisteria)
- Almond and bread crust notes
- Light mineral character
Production Method
Both wines are typically made using the tank method (Charmat method), but with important differences:
Moscato undergoes a single fermentation in a pressurised tank. Fermentation is stopped early (by chilling or filtration) to preserve natural sweetness and keep alcohol low. The process is designed to capture and preserve the grape's intense aromatics.
Prosecco undergoes a complete primary fermentation, then a secondary fermentation in a pressurised tank creates the bubbles. The wine is then filtered and bottled under pressure. This process creates a drier, more effervescent final product.
Both wines have quality hierarchies. For Moscato, look for Moscato d'Asti DOCG. For Prosecco, Prosecco Superiore DOCG from Conegliano-Valdobbiadene represents the top tier, followed by Prosecco DOC.
When to Choose Each
Choose Moscato When:
- You want something sweet: If you prefer sweeter beverages, Moscato is the obvious choice
- Pairing with dessert: Moscato's sweetness complements sweet foods beautifully
- Enjoying spicy cuisine: The sweetness and low alcohol soothe chilli heat
- Lower alcohol matters: For afternoon events or health-conscious occasions
- Introducing someone to wine: Moscato's approachability makes it perfect for beginners
- Hot weather sipping: The light, refreshing character is perfect poolside
Choose Prosecco When:
- You prefer dry wines: Prosecco's low sugar suits dry wine lovers
- Making cocktails: Prosecco's dry character works better in cocktails like Bellinis or Aperol Spritz
- Pairing with savoury appetizers: The dry profile complements canapés and cheese
- Toasting celebrations: Prosecco's effervescence and crisp character feel festive
- Throughout a meal: Prosecco's versatility allows it to accompany various courses
- You want something more "wine-like": The higher alcohol and drier style feel more familiar to wine enthusiasts
Food Pairing Differences
Moscato Pairings
Moscato's sweetness guides its food pairings:
- Fresh fruit and fruit-based desserts
- Light, creamy cakes and pastries
- Spicy Thai and Asian cuisine
- Blue cheese (classic Italian pairing)
- Brunch items with fruit components
Prosecco Pairings
Prosecco's dry character broadens its pairing possibilities:
- Oysters and raw seafood
- Antipasto platters
- Fried foods (the bubbles cut through oil)
- Light pasta dishes
- Soft cheeses like burrata or fresh mozzarella
For a gathering with diverse tastes, consider offering both wines. They satisfy different preferences while both remaining accessible and crowd-pleasing.
Price Comparison
Both wines offer excellent value compared to Champagne and other traditional-method sparkling wines.
Moscato typically ranges from $8-25 AUD for quality examples. The lower alcohol content doesn't affect pricing significantly, and excellent Moscato d'Asti can be found at the mid-range.
Prosecco ranges similarly from $10-30 AUD for most bottles, with premium DOCG versions commanding higher prices. Because more Prosecco is produced globally, there's great variety at every price point.
Neither wine is meant for aging, so expensive bottles don't necessarily equate to better quality—freshness matters more than price for both styles.
Common Misconceptions
"Moscato is just for beginners"
While Moscato is approachable for newcomers, quality examples are appreciated by experienced wine lovers for their aromatic complexity and purity of expression. Fine Moscato d'Asti requires significant skill to produce well.
"Prosecco is cheap Champagne"
Prosecco is a completely different wine from Champagne—different grapes, different production method, different flavour profile. It's not trying to be Champagne; it's a distinct Italian tradition with its own merits.
"You can substitute one for the other"
Given their significant flavour differences, substituting rarely works well. A recipe calling for Prosecco won't taste right with sweet Moscato, and vice versa. Respect each wine's unique character.
Australian Versions
While both wines have Italian origins, Australian producers make excellent versions of each:
Australian Moscato has become hugely popular, with producers like Brown Brothers, De Bortoli, and Jacob's Creek leading the category. Australian versions tend to be slightly more effervescent than traditional Moscato d'Asti, catering to local preferences for lively bubbles.
Australian Prosecco has grown significantly, though it faced legal challenges from Italian producers protecting the Prosecco name. Australian versions are now often labelled as "Prosecco style" or use alternative designations. King Valley in Victoria has become a centre for quality Australian production.
The Verdict: Which Is Better?
Neither wine is objectively "better"—they're designed for different preferences and occasions. The sweet, low-alcohol, intensely aromatic character of Moscato appeals to those who enjoy sweeter beverages and want a lighter drinking experience. The dry, crisp, versatile character of Prosecco suits those who prefer their bubbles without sweetness and want something that works throughout a meal.
The best approach? Try both, understand their differences, and keep both on hand for different occasions. A well-stocked wine collection has room for the refreshing sweetness of Moscato and the crisp elegance of Prosecco.
Ready to explore premium Moscato options? Browse our curated selection to find your perfect bottle.