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If you love a crisp, fruity, semi-sparkling Moscato, chances are you’re reaching for that familiar blue bottle on every special occasion. However, when you venture off the beaten path of mainstream kosher Moscato wines, you can discover something beyond your average sweet sipper. 36 Degrees North is just such a wine, offering a new flavor profile to add to your Moscato d’Asti rotation. Here, we introduce the “other” Moscato d’Asti blue bottle wine and explain why this hidden gem deserves a spot on your wine rack.
Although we all have our favorites, wine is meant to be discovered, with endless varieties and brands offering their own unique taste experiences. Whether you’ve discovered the sweet and pleasing frizzante sensation of sipping a cold glass of Moscato in a blue bottle or have yet to try this variety of wine, Moscato d'Asti is a light sparkling white produced in Italy’s northwestern Piedmont region.
It is a popular kosher wine, holding its rightful place in Jewish celebrations, where the distinct blue bottle of popular Bartenura Moscato reigns supreme. However, while we are big fans of the “original” wine in the blue bottle, we can’t help but feel the “other” blue bottle wine deserves some time in the limelight as well. Enter 36 Degrees North, a lightly effervescent Moscato that can hold its own as a wine to be reckoned with.
The Story of 36 Degrees North
36 Degrees North is a private brand founded by a family with roots in Rhodes, Greece. The brand name is a nod to the latitude and longitude of the Island and family heritage. However, the use of the number 36 is not just related to the location of their family island. It also signifies double "chai," which symbolizes life.
As a brand rooted in family traditions, 36 Degrees North takes pride in passing down its wine-making heritage and culture from generation to generation. The result is a pleasing Moscato d’Asti artfully and purposefully crafted for celebrating family and friends.
What Makes 36 Degrees North Stand Out
Much like other Moscato d’Asti wines, 36 Degrees North Moscato is a semi-sparkling Moscato crafted in Pavia, Italy. However, its significance is steeped in history and its ties to the island of Rhodes.
Located in the Aegean Sea, Rhodes is one of the most famous of the Greek Islands, with its rugged mountains and vineyards planted on the foothills and lower slopes along the coast. Rhodes also has two wine varietals with protected designation of origin (PDO) classification, including Athiri (white) and Mandilaria (red). However, the Muscat of Rhodes PDO is approved for sweet wine production, including:
- Moschato Aspro or Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains produced as a vin doux nature fortified during fermentation
- Vin du liqueur fortified before fermentation
- Production from sun-dried grapes
This distinction makes 36 Degrees North Stand out as a kosher Moscato crafted in the traditions of Greek wine-makers.
Tasting Notes of 36 Degrees North Moscato
36 Degrees North is an ideal sparkling Kosher for Passover and is also guaranteed to be a welcome addition to any gathering. As a semi-sweet and light-bodied Moscato, it has aromas of green apple, citrus, and pear as the most prominent notes, making it an ideal choice for those who are not a fan of the peachy flavor of most Moscatos. This Moscato is best served between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Perfect Pairings for 36 Degrees North Moscato
When sipping 36 Degrees North Moscato, serve it with a plate of your favorite soft cheeses to bring out the wine's delightful fruity notes and crispness. It is the ideal crisp-semi-sparkler served with grilled chicken enjoyed al fresco for summer entertaining. In the colder months, when the weather calls for something spicy to warm you up, it is perfectly paired with the complex flavors of Thai food.
Although sharing a traditional favorite at family gatherings helps add that sense of nostalgia, finding new wines is always an exciting prospect for wine lovers. Whether you’re looking for a crisp Moscato to sample for a wine tasting or ready to try a new Moscato d’Asti for your next gathering, 36 Degrees North is the other wine in a blue bottle that’s sure to please.
Click here to order your 36 Degrees North Moscato today.
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References
- Nickles, J. (2019, February), Mind your Latitude: 36° North. bubblyprofessor.com