Moscato Rosa is a unique pink-skinned grape variety mainly grown in Trentino-Alto Adige and, to a lesser extent, in Friuli, Piedmont, Emilia, and Sicily. The grape’s origins are believed to be Sicilian; it is said that it was brought to Alto Adige by Prince Enrico of Campofranco from the Bourbon family, who married into the Habsburgs and relocated from Sicily to Caldaro in 1851, bringing some cuttings of Moscato Rosa with him. The name is thought to derive more from the primary rose aroma characteristic of this aromatic variety than from the color of the berries. It belongs to the Moscati family, aromatic grape varieties whose name derives from “muscum,” or moss, an aroma that can also be found in the mature grapes. Moscato Rosa is a delicate variety to cultivate, as it is prone to flower drop and poor berry set, which can significantly reduce yields, making the resulting wine rare and highly valued.

The Moscato Rosa grapes have a high sugar content, so they are often dried before vinification to produce sweet and/or fortified wines. Moscato Rosa wine exists in both Late Harvest and passito versions. In these cases, the clusters are not affected by noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea) but are instead dried on the vines or in ventilated rooms, either hung from ceilings or laid out on racks. Aging for a few years enhances and highlights its exceptional qualities. The passito wine made from Moscato Rosa has a brilliant ruby red color with subtle garnet reflections. Its aroma is delicate, pleasantly aromatic, and intense, with marked notes of rose and spice, complemented by delicate hints of red berries. On the palate, it is sweet, full, and pleasant, with a good balance between sweetness and sapidity, harmonizing with its vibrant acidity and offering an elegant and velvety finish.

Ampelographically, Moscato Rosa has medium-sized, wedge-shaped leaves. Its clusters are large, conical, with a wing, and compact. Moscato Rosa is prone to poor berry set, which sometimes results in clusters with gaps where berries are missing. The berries are large with a pink or light red color, soft pulp, colorless juice, and a musky flavor.