Dollar Tree, Moscato Wine wines

Written By Scott Johnson

🍇 Wine Varietal: Moscato

Moscato, made from the Muscat grape, is beloved for its floral aroma, low alcohol, and sweet profile. It typically features flavors of peach 🍑, orange blossom 🌼, apricot 🍊, pear 🍐, and sometimes tropical fruits.

While popular worldwide, Moscato expressions differ by region:

  • Italy (Asti DOCG): Delicate bubbles, honeysuckle, and low alcohol.

  • California: Bolder, sweeter, with fruit-forward tropical and stone fruit flavors.

  • Other U.S. regions (e.g., New York): Can blend sweetness with innovative fruit infusions (like mango or sangria styles).

This tasting explored budget Moscato options from the Dollar Tree in Virginia, with a surprise emphasis on flavored blends and sangria twists. All wines were under $11!

🥂 Tasting Order & Results

🅰️ Wine A: Icon Moscato

  • City/State: Modesto, California, USA 🇺🇸

  • Year: 2024

  • Price: $10.95

  • Alcohol: 17%

  • Store: Dollar Tree

  • Tasting Notes:
    Clear and well-filtered. On the nose: pears, strawberries, peaches. Very sweet and cotton candy-like, well-balanced but intense. Great for a hot day with ice ❄️ to mellow the sugar.

  • Lynn’s Score: 16 ✅ (Would buy again & bring to a party)

  • Scott’s Score: 11 ✅ (Would buy again, but only for home use)

  • Total Score: 27

  • Buy Again (Both): Yes

  • 🍷 Comments: The most expensive of the lineup and one of the boldest in aroma and sweetness.

🅱️ Wine B: Arbor Mist Moscato – Strawberry Mango

  • City/State: Canandaigua, New York, USA 🇺🇸

  • Year: 2024 (assumed)

  • Price: $9.60

  • Store: Dollar Tree

  • Tasting Notes:
    Almost colorless. Massive peach-like aroma (though it was actually strawberry mango!). Fruity, pleasant, and a bit drier than expected. Surprisingly refreshing with unique flavor layers—perfect for hot summer days ☀️.

  • Lynn’s Score: 17 ✅ (Would buy again & bring to a party)

  • Scott’s Score: 13 ✅ (Would buy again, take to a neighborhood party—especially for a younger crowd)

  • Total Score: 🏆 30 – Winner!

  • Buy Again (Both): Yes

  • 🥇 Why it won: A fun and fruity profile with excellent balance, cold refreshment, and versatility for different occasions.

🅲 Wine C: Barefoot Moscato

  • City/State: Modesto, California, USA 🇺🇸

  • Year: 2024 (assumed)

  • Price: $7.70

  • Store: Dollar Tree

  • Tasting Notes:
    Slightly more color than the others. Light apple and tangerine notes. Sweet, a bit tart, and somewhat simple. Not much aroma. May appeal to those new to wine.

  • Lynn’s Score: 14 ✅ (Would buy again for Moscato fans)

  • Scott’s Score: 9 ❌ (Would not buy again)

  • Total Score: 23

  • Buy Again (Both): No

  • 🍷 Comments: Tasted a bit flat compared to others, despite award claims (Double Gold).

🅳 Wine D: Carlo Rossi Moscato Sangria

  • City/State: California, USA 🇺🇸 (Exact city not confirmed)

  • Year: 2024 (assumed)

  • Price: $4.80

  • Store: Dollar Tree

  • Tasting Notes:
    Slight color, maybe fizzy. Flavor burst of peach, cotton candy, and green apple 🍏. Very sweet, long finish. Great with ice and on a hot day.

  • Lynn’s Score: 15 ✅ (Would buy again)

  • Scott’s Score: 12 ✅ (Would buy again for occasional home use)

  • Total Score: 27

  • Buy Again (Both): Yes

  • 🍷 Comments: A budget-friendly surprise! Great finish and solid flavor.

🍾 Takeaway

This Dollar Tree Moscato tasting delivered unexpected charm! While all wines were under $11, Arbor Mist’s fruity strawberry mango twist stood out for its refreshing taste and party potential. Even the lowest-scoring wine had a place for Moscato lovers.

A sweet success from the Northern Neck tasting team! 🥂🌞

Scott Johnson
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