Latest news with #Moscato
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
29 Cleaning Products Under $15
A pack of cleaning tablets that'll clean your dishwasher for you, because it's probably way dirtier than you imagine. These tablets will break down lime and mineral buildup in the main compartment, internal pumps, and the pump and valve — so your dishes will come out looking as sparkly as they do in all those dish soap commercials. A toilet wand with disposable cleaning heads (the cleaning solution is built-in — just activate with water!) to make scrubbing the porcelain throne feel like less of a chore. The kit comes with six refill heads (and a handy dandy storage stand for the wand and refills) to get you started, so you can immediately say goodbye to that dirty toilet brush and get to scrubbing in about 30 seconds! A garbage disposal cleaner — it can tackle any food residue that's been lingering in there for far too long. It makes you realize adulthood is just learning about all the things you never realized you were supposed to be cleaning. A Pikk-it tool designed to remove the tangled hair/fur that's lodged in your vacuum's roller brush (which is making it WAY less effective btw). You can also use it to spruce up your hairbrushes, so this is basically stray hair's worst enemy. Also, cleaning your cleaning appliances is a level of adulthood most never reach in their lifetime. Proud of you. An Iron Out rust stain remover in a ridiculously easy-to-use gel formula that looks that looks those annoying orange stains right in the eye and says, "bring. it. on." Oh, and it does so with no scrubbing required: just spray, leave it on for a few seconds so it can activate its rust-dissolving magic, then rinse away! A pack of washing machine cleaner tablets to banish odors and break down residue so your clothes will come out feeling cleaner than ever. Just one tablet will help remove any caked-up grime in the pump and valve, drum and basket, and filter. A pair of fluffy slippers with microfiber mops on the soles so you can get some cleaning done while you make your way from the couch to the kitchen and back to the couch again. You'll use way less paper towels the next time you knock over a glass of Moscato. A set of fast-acting Keurig cleaner pods to get all the dirt and grime out of your trusty coffee companion. Simply place it in your Keurig like a typical K-Cup, brew on the largest cup size, remove the cleaning pod, and then brew another round of hot water to rinse. You'd be surprised how much coffee residue and old coffee grinds can get stuck in the dispenser. A flexible coil lint and dust brush so you can finally reach all the dust in your dryer vent (built-up lint is a fire hazard, btw!) and the crumbs that are hiding underneath your oven and fridge. I'm shuddering just thinking about what's living under there. A tub of cooktop wipes that'll easily swipe up any messes before they have time to become burnt-on grime. They also work on microwaves if that's the only kind of oven you use on a regular basis. Unlike other cleaning wipes, these are specifically designed to break down tough-to-remove oil and grease splatters without leaving a residue or heavy fragrance behind. A makeup brush cleaning shampoo for all of you who can't remember the last time you actually cleaned them. Your skin will thank you for washing away all the caked-up grime and bacteria lurking in those bristles. A bottle of Goo Gone foaming spray specifically designed to win the fight against the greasy nastiness that's been coating the surfaces of your kitchen for far too long now. You can use it to spruce up range hoods (it's probably way dirtier than you think right now), microwaves, pots and pans, oven doors, and any food-prep surfaces. Just look at those before-and-after photos — that is the definition of witchcraft. A pack of cleaning erasers that only need water to remove stains — they're more affordable than name brands but if you catch my drift. These little melamine sponges can quickly lift away tough stains, grease, soap scum, and anything else that your typical all-purpose cleaner just isn't tackling. A reusable and machine-washable duster — it fits onto the Swiffer duster handle so you can stop wasting money on flimsy disposable refills. These will quickly get rid of the layer of dust that's been accumulating since you moved in. No judgment. And a three-pronged duster to reach in between your blinds because they are probably way dirtier than you think 😬. The design means you can hit multiple blinds at once, so you'll be done with the full window in just a few swipes. Once you're done, just throw the cloth in the washing machine and pop a new one on! A tub of The Pink Stuff, which has become so TikTok-famous it's racked up 154,000 positive ratings. It'll completely revitalize your sink, bathtub, and neglected ovens with the help of a little elbow grease. A microwave steam cleaner, because the mess in there doesn't just disappear when you close the door and walk away. This little device uses the power of sheer anger (and steam) to eliminate dirt and stains with ease. If you're microwave is covered in caked-on tomato sauce, this will take care of it in less than 10 minutes! A pack of all-natural bottle cleaning tablets that'll help remove stains and odors from any water bottles or coffee tumblers that you've left unwashed for an embarrassingly long time. It happens. Just fill your cup with warm water, drop the tablet in, and wait 15-30 minutes; rinse your cup, then get back to hydrating and/or caffeinating yourself. These are biodegradable and review: "I seriously can't believe how well these little tablets work. I had the most disgusting HydroFlask coffee mug — I tried everything. A bottle brush, different kinds of soap, vinegar, EVERYTHING, and there was still a seemingly impenetrable layer of black sludge inside. I let a tablet sit in each of my mugs for an hour or two, and the black sludge rinsed out COMPLETELY, without even scrubbing. They look brand-new. What a magical product. No weird smell or taste afterward, either. I liked it so much I used it on another HydroFlask I use primarily to hold my Bloody Mary mix in the fridge. I couldn't put anything else in it because it would always taste like spicy tomato juice. Bottle Bright to the rescue! No residual smell or taste anymore. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING." —Amazon CustomerGet a 12-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (also available in packs of 36 and 78). A descaling solution to break down all of the limescale buildup inside your electric kettle or coffee maker, because yes, the interior also needs cleaning 😩. If your coffee just isn't hitting the spot like it used to, it's probably time to run a cleaning cycle. A granite and stone cleaner — not only is it the quickest way to make your countertops look ready for the pages of Architectural Digest, but it also kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. It's basically a must-have for any last-minute dinner parties. A slim cleaning brush to reach all of the hidden messes that moved into your home and expected to permanently live there rent-free. From window sills, shower doors, sliding door tracks, and even those awkward spaces around your faucet, this brush will help loosen caked-on dirt from almost anywhere. Plus, you can flip to the scraper side to chip away at particularly stubborn grime. A chainmail scrubber that'll make you laugh to yourself and think "what a FOOL I was!" when you remember that flimsy sponge you used to clean your pots and pans with. It's specifically designed to be used on cast-iron, so you won't have to worry about scratching your most precious cookware. It's also rust-proof and anti-mildew. It'll probably also work great on that cast-iron cauldron you've been eyeing all year. A washable, reusable sponge with scrubby mesh on one side and soft cotton terry cloth on the other to tackle messes of any size. Just throw these in the wash to spruce them up — each sponge will last up to 12 months. Plus, those prints are really adorable! A handy double-sided brush that will scrub away at every nook and cranny of your utensils, because giving them a quick swipe with your sponge is really not cutting it. Prepare to clean your silverware in record time. A wine-stain removing spray so you'll no longer panic when you accidentally spill that glass of merlot during Bachelor night. It even works on coffee, fruit punch, ink, and pet accidents, so you'll probably want the bottle near you at all times. A bottle of Hope's Perfect sink cleaner and polish to make any stainless steel, cast-iron, porcelain, or acrylic appliance as shiny as the day you got it. Just apply with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse away with soapy water! A cleaning putty so you can get the dust and debris out of every nook and cranny in your car — from the crevices of your air-conditioning vent to the random spots in between your seats. This Flubber-like cleaner has impressed over 41,000 reviewers. A small desktop vacuum that's truly the definition of tiny but mighty. It has a rechargeable battery, so you can carry it around to clean up any Cheeto dust and Oreo crumbs that end up on your desks, tables, or countertops. Seriously, every surface in your home is about to be dust-free. A pre-mixed multi-fabric cleaner you can spray on everything from curtains to mattresses. If your couch is looking a little dingy lately, you'll definitely want this on-hand before guests come over. You after using all these products: Reviews here have been edited for length and/or clarity.
San Francisco Chronicle
30-06-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
The soaring popularity of this high-alcohol wine doesn't make any sense
The market reports are unequivocal: As Americans are drinking less, nonalcoholic and low-alcohol wines are skyrocketing in popularity. In fact, according to a leading analyst, these products were responsible for the only growth that the wine industry saw last year. And so no one would have expected that the industry's biggest phenomenon in 2025 would be an explicitly high -alcohol wine. But that's exactly what XXL, a brand of fortified, flavored, 16% Moscato, has become. XXL launched in 2023 and sold 85,000 cases, a modest showing for a brand with national chain-store aspirations. Last year, it grew to 1.8 million cases. This year, according to Marc Oliveira, CEO of parent company Tri-Vin Imports, it's on track to do more than 2.5 million. Its success doesn't make any sense, and yet the numbers can't lie. XXL may be an early indication that nonalcoholic wines are not guaranteed the swiftly upward trajectory that some analysts have assured. Or it may simply be this moment's requisite counterpoint to the overarching impulse toward moderation. There will always be people who just want to get drunk, wellness culture be damned. The way Oliveira tells it, he conceived of XXL as a rebellion. In 2023, he spoke on a panel at the wine trade show ProWein in Germany, where the rest of the panelists extolled low- and no-alcohol wines 'as being the future with the younger consumer and to save the industry,' he said. He bristled at the implication that every wine company should suddenly be following the same script, and he also sensed that the low-alcohol space was about to become very crowded. 'It's not innovation if 200 suppliers all rush in at once,' Oliveira said. Also, he thought most nonalcoholic wine was bad. If people keep trying nonalcoholic wines and they taste terrible, he figured, the category won't continue to grow. Instead of following the advice he was hearing, Oliveira decided to do the opposite. 'Nobody's asking for high-alc. Nobody's asking for flavored wines,' he said. 'They thought we were crazy.' At the time, Tri-Vin, a Connecticut company that Oliveira's father founded in the 1980s, was steadily growing but had yet to have a breakout brand. Oliveira sensed this could be its chance. The conference was in March. By August, Oliveira had product to sell, thanks to a supplier he'd found in Moldova. He launched with five flavors: blackberry, pineapple, mango, peach, and strawberry and grapes. The initial response from retailers was poor. 'Everyone was giving us the cold shoulder,' Oliveira said. 'We had some retailers tell us there will never be a day in which these wines will be sold in their stores.' As XXL took off, however, many eventually placed an order. These wines are not made so much as engineered. They begin with a base of Moscato, which is fortified with a neutral, grape-derived spirit (also known as brandy), then flavored and in some cases colored with caramel dye. Oliveira worked with 'an outside formula tasting lab' to develop the flavorings. He zeroed in on the name 'XXL,' but the trademark was already taken, so he trademarked 'XXL Moscato.' There were several back-and-forths with the feds, who kept rejecting XXL's labels as noncompliant. There's now a redacted line on XXL's front labels, a reference to what Oliveira calls his 'battle scars.' The magic alcohol-by-volume number, Oliveira discovered, was 16%, which is the highest that can legally be sold in grocery stores in every U.S. state. 'We realized other competitors would come after us,' he said. 'If they're going to try 17%, 18% to outdo us, we're going to shut them down, we're going to go as high as possible, end of story. So we went to 21%.' That would be the XXL Cali Extreme. When the war in Ukraine blocked Tri-Vin's access to the port of Odessa, XXL had to leave Moldova. It's now produced in Spain, France and California, the latter at Fior di Sol Winery in Napa. This year XXL is debuting cans and the juicebox-like Tetra Paks, as well as its first sparkling wines. This wouldn't be the first time that high-alcohol wine is trending. The late '90s and early aughts saw a surge in California Zinfandels, for one, that pushed past 16% and even 17%. Many consumers viewed the alcohol content as a proxy for quality: the bigger, the better. The brazenness of XXL's branding, coupled with the shameless alcohol levels, calls to mind Four Loko, which originally combined booze with caffeine. (Four Loko got rid of the caffeine after the Food and Drug Administration raised health concerns.) The similarity isn't a coincidence. Like Four Loko, 'we're trying to be unique and bold,' Oliveira said. But hopefully with fewer cardiac events: 'I remember drinking (Four Loko) when it came out and thinking my heart was going to explode.' XXL has become a fascination of TikTok creators, whose reviews are mostly enthusiastic while also observing that the drinks resemble liquor more than wine. As CrownMeCutie put it, 'It's like a wine margarita.' The TikTokers may love it, but a recent tasting of several XXL bottles in the Chronicle newsroom produced near-universal revulsion. The drinks are arrestingly sweet, so syrupy and boozy and heavy that it feels like you're swigging Gran Marnier. The best of the lineup, reporters agreed, were the guava flavor ('I could see bianco vermouth vibes,' said restaurant critic MacKenzie Chung Fegan); the sparkling Moscato, which recalled Martinelli's sparkling cider; and the blackberry, which despite its cloying density gestured toward some acidity. The boldest of the bunch, the 21% Cali Extreme, doesn't have any fruit flavorings — one might say it is wine-flavored. Somehow, that only made the sweetness more conspicuous. Oliveira is right that a lot of low- and no-alcohol wines taste disgusting. But the other extreme doesn't seem much better. The question is which end of the spectrum will have the greater staying power. Oliveira believes the growth of low-alcohol wines will ultimately be a blip: 'I think that people still want alcohol to be a part of their lives.'
Forbes
25-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
What's The Difference Between Riesling And Moscato? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Famous German quality white wine riesling, produced in Mosel wine regio from white grapes growing on ... More slopes of hills in Mosel river valley in Germany, bottle and glasses served outside in Mosel valley It starts innocently enough: you're standing in the wine aisle, peering at rows of cheerful white bottles. You want something fruity, maybe slightly sweet, something that won't clash with the spicy takeout you ordered or the lemon bars you baked on a whim. You reach for a Riesling—no, a Moscato. Wait, aren't they kind of the same thing? Not quite. If you've ever been caught in that moment of indecision, hovering between these two bright, aromatic whites, you're not alone. Both Riesling and Moscato have long histories, legions of fans, and reputations for being the 'fun wines'—floral, fruity, and perfect for sipping on patios or pairing with tricky foods. But lumping them together just because they share a spot in the sweeter spectrum does them both a disservice. These wines are not twins. They're not even siblings. Think of them more like distant cousins—raised on different continents, with different personalities, but who occasionally show up to the same party in floral prints and charm everyone in the room. One is crisp, high-acid, and unexpectedly complex. The other is juicy, frothy, and built for pleasure. One can age for decades; the other is best popped open while the sun's still out. One is the darling of sommeliers and spicy food lovers; the other is brunch's best friend. So how do you choose between them? More importantly—do you have to? Let's swirl, sniff, and sip our way through the differences between Riesling and Moscato, and find out which one belongs in your glass (or maybe… both). Sugar Isn't the Whole Story Bartender pouring white wine from bottle into glass indoors, closeup. Space for text At first glance, Riesling and Moscato can seem like cousins at the dessert table—floral, fruity, and often lower in alcohol than your standard Chardonnay. But while both wines tend to show up on the sweeter side, sugar is where their similarities start and stop. Riesling, hailing originally from Germany's Rhine region, is famously versatile. It can be dry, off-dry, sweet, or dessert-level unctuous. Moscato, short for Moscato d'Asti if you're talking about the Italian classic, is generally predictable: low in alcohol (around 5–6%), lightly sparkling, and sweet like a ripe peach plucked at peak summer. Think of Riesling as the jazz musician of the white wine world—full of nuance, structure, and improvisation. Moscato? She's the pop star. Fun, bright, effervescent, and unapologetically herself. Side-by-Side in the Glass white wine with grapes on old wooden table If you were to blind-taste them (and I recommend you do), here's what you might notice: Pairing Possibilities Two glasses of white wine with Brie and Prosciutto ham Because of its acidity, Riesling pairs beautifully with spicy foods—think Thai curry, Szechuan dishes, or Nashville hot chicken. Dry or off-dry Rieslings cut through heat like a citrus blade. Moscato, with its lower alcohol and juicy sweetness, is perfect for brunch spreads, fruit tarts, or as a solo sipper when you don't want to overthink things. Bottle Picks for the Curious Palate bottles of white wine in the supermarket Dry Riesling: 2019 Trimbach Riesling (Alsace, France) – Zippy and dry, this wine offers green apple, lemon peel, and a slight herbal note. It's crisp, food-friendly, and a reminder that not all Riesling is sweet. Pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or goat cheese. Off-Dry Riesling: Dr. Loosen 'Blue Slate' Kabinett Riesling (Mosel, Germany) – Lightly sweet with juicy peach, tangerine, and slate minerality. A classic Kabinett that balances sugar with striking acidity. Try it with spicy Korean fried chicken or sushi. Classic Moscato: Vietti Moscato d'Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – A benchmark bottle: delicately sparkling, low in alcohol, and bursting with orange blossom, fresh pear, and sweet herbs. Perfect with panna cotta or just a hot afternoon. Fun New World Moscato: Barefoot Moscato (California) – Widely available and extremely budget-friendly. Expect a straightforward, sweet sip of peach and melon. It's not complex, but sometimes that's exactly what you want. So—Riesling or Moscato? If you like a wine that evolves in the glass, plays well with dinner, and walks the tightrope between sweet and structured, go for Riesling. If you're looking for something easy, crowd-pleasing, and just a little bubbly, Moscato is your best bet. And if you can't decide? There's no rule against keeping both in your fridge. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.
Malaysian Reserve
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
A Celebration of Flavor, Culture, and Connection
OAKLAND, Calif., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The McBride Sisters Wine Company proudly unveils Black Girl Magic Moscato Frizzante, a vibrant, lightly sparkling wine crafted to celebrate joy, bold flavor, and the richness of individuality. This new release expands the award-winning Black Girl Magic collection with a refreshing twist, just in time for summer sipping. This latest addition captures the spirit of celebration with aromas of ripe stone fruit, honeyed citrus, and floral notes, delivering a lightly effervescent experience that's both elegant and playful. Whether served at brunch, golden hour on the beach, or during a night out with friends, Black Girl Magic Moscato Frizzante invites wine lovers to savor the moment. 'This launch is about more than a new wine – it's giving our wine lovers exactly what they've been asking for. Since we launched Black Girl Magic Wines in 2018, the number one request has been to create a Moscato. And now, the wait is over and we're proud to bring it to life – it's sweet, bubbly magic that just hits different. We're always looking to deepen our commitment to our customers who love our wines.' said Robin McBride, cofounder of McBride Sisters Wine Company. 'It's about expanding representation, elevating shared experiences, and showcasing excellence within Black Culture.' Key Features include: Fresh Summer nectarines and floral decadence dance on the nose with candied citrus of Meyer lemon and cara cara orange. The palate fizzes to life with juicy white peaches and crisp pear. Florals of jasmine, orange blossom and honeysuckle play with the hints of melon that gives a lingering impression of lemon zest and honey. Black Girl Magic Moscato Frizzante is rolling out now to select retailers nationwide and online at Fans and those new to the brand can find exclusive tasting pop ups throughout the summer of the new arrival at: About McBride Sisters Wine Company:Founded by Robin and Andréa McBride, McBride Sisters Wine Company is the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. Built on a mission to transform the industry through inclusive access and award-winning wines, the McBride Sisters Collection and Black Girl Magic Wines reflect the boldness, brilliance, and resilience of women who inspire them.
Associated Press
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Introducing Black Girl Magic Moscato Frizzante -- A Celebration of Flavor, Culture, and Connection
OAKLAND, Calif., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The McBride Sisters Wine Company proudly unveils Black Girl Magic Moscato Frizzante, a vibrant, lightly sparkling wine crafted to celebrate joy, bold flavor, and the richness of individuality. This new release expands the award-winning Black Girl Magic collection with a refreshing twist, just in time for summer sipping. This latest addition captures the spirit of celebration with aromas of ripe stone fruit, honeyed citrus, and floral notes, delivering a lightly effervescent experience that's both elegant and playful. Whether served at brunch, golden hour on the beach, or during a night out with friends, Black Girl Magic Moscato Frizzante invites wine lovers to savor the moment. 'This launch is about more than a new wine - it's giving our wine lovers exactly what they've been asking for. Since we launched Black Girl Magic Wines in 2018, the number one request has been to create a Moscato. And now, the wait is over and we're proud to bring it to life - it's sweet, bubbly magic that just hits different. We're always looking to deepen our commitment to our customers who love our wines.' said Robin McBride, cofounder of McBride Sisters Wine Company. 'It's about expanding representation, elevating shared experiences, and showcasing excellence within Black Culture.' Key Features include: Black Girl Magic Moscato Frizzante is rolling out now to select retailers nationwide and online at Fans and those new to the brand can find exclusive tasting pop ups throughout the summer of the new arrival at: About McBride Sisters Wine Company: Founded by Robin and Andréa McBride, McBride Sisters Wine Company is the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. Built on a mission to transform the industry through inclusive access and award-winning wines, the McBride Sisters Collection and Black Girl Magic Wines reflect the boldness, brilliance, and resilience of women who inspire them. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE McBride Sisters Wine Company
