Share this page:

If you’ve ever been drawn to the iconic blue bottle of Bartenura Moscato, you might have wondered what makes this kosher wine so unique. Is it the taste, the quality, or the allure of the bottle itself? Let's uncork the mystery and explore why this wine is a top choice among kosher wine enthusiasts.

Introduction to Bartenura Moscato

Bartenura Moscato d’asti wine is known for its unmistakable blue bottle, peachy aroma, and sweet, pleasing flavor profile. It is crafted from carefully cultured muscat grapes, recognized for their naturally rich perfume. Known as Moscato grapes in Italy, their high residual sugar and low acidity produce the wine’s signature love-it-or-hate-it sweet taste.

Bartenura is named after 15th-century Italian Rabbi Ovadia ben Avraham of Bertinoro, a town in Forli, Italy. Known as “The Bartenura,” the Royal Wine Company decided the Rabbi was the ideal namesake for their Moscato d’asti offering.

This lovely golden-colored wine is produced in the northwestern Piedmont region of Italy, using Muscat à Petits Grains. It is the most recognizable Moscato grape variety and very low in alcohol at just 5.5%. Its mouth-pleasing, soft “frizzante” bubbles make it a popular choice to toast special occasions, sip as an aperitif, or pair with desserts.

Moscato wine lovers appreciate the flavor and the intoxicating fragrance that ranges from floral to berry and peach to ginger. In the case of Bartenura Moscato, the aroma hints at what is to come -- a distinct crispness and unexpected lingering flavors like citrusy yet sweet tangerine, pear nectar, and melon. The result is an undeniably pleasing wine that is the largest-selling imported Moscato from anywhere in the world.

four friends giving celebratory toast with Bartenura Moscato white wine

What Makes Bartenura Moscato Stand Out?

Although we hate to keep harping on the blue bottle, this truly is one of the most dominant reasons this wine stands out. It is the first thing most people notice when browsing the Moscato selections online or at their local kosher wine store. However, there is much more to this wine than its pretty blue bottle. It is a slightly effervescent white wine offering endless surprises, including a powerful kick at the uncorking, thanks to its gentle bubbles. Upon tasting, it reveals itself slowly with each sip, creating an agreeable wine experience.

carrot ice cream dessert with white wine

Tasting Notes: Understanding the Flavor Profile

Moscato kosher wines are highly diverse, offering endless possibilities based on the specific grapes and fermentation process. Bartenura uses a cold, slow fermentation process, producing a seductive reveal of flavors. You’ll detect wildflower, honey, and juicy ripe melons in the beginning and apricot, pear, and nectarines in the finish. Many also experience hints of tangerine. So, while most Moscato wines share that familiar peachy aroma, the flavor of this Moscato leans towards apricot and nectarine.

And while most wine aficionados recommend Moscato as an aperitif or accompaniment for desserts or fruit, Bartenura entices sweet wine lovers to enjoy it on their own terms, pairing it with a much wider variety of foods from pasta and pizza to cheese and chocolate.

5 plain blue bottles with white background

The Story Behind the Distinctive Moscato Blue Bottle

In 1992, kosher wine specialists Royal Wine made the brilliant decision to market Bartenura in what is now the iconic blue bottle. Initially, the blue bottle created challenges for Royal because authorities did not approve blue glass for wines made in the region. However, the company was steadfast in its decision, and the blue bottle is now seen on Jewish dinner tables worldwide today.

Having fought the good fight, Royal paved the way for other wineries to follow suit, starting with, not surprisingly, Blue Nun in 1997. It is now the bottle color of choice for many wine producers globally.

bottle of Bartenura Moscato laying on a white carpet

Why Bartenura Moscato is a Top Choice for Kosher Wine Enthusiasts

Bartenura Moscato is a high-quality wine that has helped define the ideal Moscato wine experience. It is considered an authentic Moscato thanks to its history of Italian wine production and has gained both respect through brilliant marketing with its introduction of the blue bottle and staying power as the preferred kosher wine of traditional Jewish meals and gatherings.

It also appeals to wine lovers who appreciate a crisp yet sweet, slightly fizzy wine, helping it gain prominence with celebrities, including dethroning Cristal champagne as the preferred sparkling wine for stars like Drake and Lil Kim. However, the wine’s pleasing flavor is the defining characteristic that sets it apart in the emerging kosher wine category.

Is Bartenura Moscato Worth the Hype?

We believe there is only one answer to this question: You have to try it yourself to discover whether Bartenura Moscato is worth all the hype. The one thing we can say is our customers can’t get enough, which is why it is the largest-selling wine in the non-kiddush kosher sector and the largest-selling Italian Moscato in the U.S.

Revel in the Unique Experience that is Bartenura Moscato

Don't just take our word for it—immerse yourself in the layers of flavor and aroma that have made Bartenura Moscato the go-to choice for those in the know. With a sip, you're not just tasting wine; you're partaking in a lineage of craftsmanship and tradition. 

Elevate your next gathering or intimate dinner with a bottle, and see why it's become a phenomenon not just on the kosher wine scene, but across the broader wine landscape as well.

Ready to take the journey? Click here to secure your bottle of Bartenura Moscato and be part of a larger, ever-growing community of aficionados who prioritize quality, heritage, and the sheer delight of discovery.

Order Now

Share this page:

References