Each year, one of the finest Moscatos comes from Rinaldi, and the fabulous label and hilarious reference to “bug juice” only adds to the fun. This light-bodied, low alcohol (4-5%) Moscato is bursting with notes of honeysuckle, lychee nuts, peaches, mangoes and spring flowers. The intoxicatingly intense aromatics are followed by a wine with some residual sugar, although that component is well-balanced by the wine’s acidity and freshness. These Moscatos are best drunk in their first 6-9 months of life, so drink this Bug Juice up immediately. Well-known in these pages, Fran Kysela runs a surprisingly large volume import business with a strong focus on value-priced wines from Southern France, Argentina, Australia, and Spain. Importer: Fran Kysela, 331 Victory Rd., Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; fax (540) 722-9258

Light-bodied and fresh, with hints of orange and grapefruit candy mixing with apricot, citrus zest and floral notes. Drink now. 7,800 cases made, 7,000 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Moscato d'Asti Select to Add

Above all, wine is meant to bring people together, encourage conversation and be fun. If there’s a quintessential “fun wine,” it is certainly the sparkling, low-alcohol Moscatos made in Northern Italy. I jokingly refer to these as breakfast wines, but they are remarkably fresh, lively wines that rarely exceed 5 to 6% alcohol. Their aromatics are stunning, and no one does a better job making these wines than Rinaldi. There are three cuvees to contemplate. Importer:Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; Tel. (540) 722-9228; Fax (540) 722-9258; www.kysela.com

Despite its strange name, Bug Juice is a soft, plush, sweet Moscato with musky notes of soapy flower and scented candle. It shows beautiful elegance and careful craftsmanship. ——M.L.(12/31/2011)—— 87