ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOSCATO D'ASTI: THE SWEET SPARKLING WINE ICONIC OF PIEDMONT

The Moscato d'Asti is a sweet sparkling wine emblematic of the Piedmont region in Italy. With its fruity notes and lightness, it is a wine of choice to accompany desserts or simply to enjoy a moment of relaxation. In this article, we invite you to discover all the secrets of this Italian nectar.

Origins and characteristics of Moscato d'Asti

The Moscato d'Asti takes its name from the Moscato Bianco grape, also known as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, which has been cultivated for centuries in the Piedmont region. This grape variety produces an aromatic grape, with characteristic floral and fruity notes.

The Moscato d'Asti is a sparkling white wine, with a relatively low alcohol content, generally around 5.5% to 6.5%. Its fermentation is stopped before all the sugar is converted into alcohol, which gives it its typical sweetness. The result is a light, fresh, and fruity wine, with delicate effervescence.

The production area of Moscato d'Asti is strictly defined and is located in the province of Asti, in Piedmont. The vineyards extend over the rolling hills of this region, benefiting from a continental climate favorable to the cultivation of Moscato Bianco.

The aromas and flavors of Moscato d'Asti

The Moscato d'Asti stands out for its intense and delicate aromatic notes. It mainly features scents of white fruits such as peach, apple, pear, as well as floral notes of rose, jasmine, and linden. A slight citrus touch may also be perceptible.

On the palate, the Moscato d'Asti is characterized by a balanced sweetness, fine effervescence, and fresh acidity that give it a lot of lightness and freshness. Fruity flavors dominate, with a persistent and elegant finish.

Thanks to its aromatic and taste profile, the Moscato d'Asti pairs perfectly with desserts, fruits, fresh cheeses, or even spicy dishes. It is a wine of pleasure, ideal for ending a meal or simply savoring a moment of relaxation.

The winemaking process of Moscato d'Asti

The winemaking of Moscato d'Asti follows a specific process that preserves all the freshness and delicacy of the Moscato Bianco grape.

First, the grapes are harvested by hand, usually between mid-August and mid-September, when they have reached optimal ripeness. They are then quickly pressed to avoid any oxidation.

The alcoholic fermentation takes place at low temperatures, between 12°C and 16°C, in order to preserve the fruity and floral aromas of the Moscato Bianco. When the wine reaches the desired residual sugar level, fermentation is stopped by cooling.

Next comes the stage of the sparkling process, where the wine is bottled with a liqueur de tirage to trigger a second fermentation in a closed environment. This stage gives the Moscato d'Asti its delicate effervescence.

Finally, the wine is aged for a few months before being marketed. This aging phase allows the aromas to round out and achieves a perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, and effervescence.

The appellations of Moscato d'Asti

The Moscato d'Asti benefits from two distinct controlled designations of origin (AOC):

• The designation Moscato d'Asti, which concerns sweet sparkling wines made from 100% Moscato Bianco grapes.
• The designation Asti, which includes dry or semi-dry sparkling wines made from a blend of grape varieties, with a majority of Moscato Bianco.

These two designations guarantee the quality and origin of the wines by strictly regulating cultivation and winemaking practices. They also ensure compliance with yield criteria, alcohol content, and residual sugar levels.

The wines benefiting from the Moscato d'Asti designation are distinguished by their sweetness, lightness, and sparkling finesse, perfectly in line with the traditional style of Piedmont.

How to taste Moscato d'Asti?

To fully enjoy the qualities of Moscato d'Asti, it is recommended to serve it well chilled, between 6°C and 8°C. This temperature helps preserve all the freshness and aromatic vivacity of the wine.

Moscato d'Asti is generally tasted in white wine glasses, preferably of medium size to not mask the fine bubbles. It can also be served in champagne flutes, which will enhance its delicate effervescence.

As for food and wine pairings, Moscato d'Asti pairs wonderfully with desserts, fruits, fresh cheeses, or even spicy dishes. Its sweet and fruity profile makes it a choice wine to elegantly conclude a meal.

You can also enjoy it as an aperitif for a moment of relaxation and conviviality. Its low alcohol content makes it an accessible and pleasant wine at any time.

Where to find Moscato d'Asti?

Moscato d'Asti is a very popular wine in Italy, but it can also be easily found internationally, particularly in France, Germany, the United States, or the United Kingdom.

In France, you can find it in most supermarkets, wine shops, or delicatessens. Some stores specialized in Italian products, such as EasyGusto.fr, also offer a wide selection of Moscato d'Asti.

Prices generally range between 10 and 20 euros per bottle, depending on the quality and origin of the wine. The most prestigious designations, from renowned vineyards, tend to be in the higher price range.

Don't hesitate to ask your wine merchant or your favorite delicatessen for the Moscato d'Asti that will delight you. You can also order online from specialized sites like EasyGusto.fr to discover all the richness of this sparkling wine from Piedmont.

Conclusion

Moscato d'Asti is an emblematic wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. With its fruity notes, balanced sweetness, and delicate effervescence, it is an ideal pleasure wine to accompany desserts or to enjoy a moment of relaxation.

Thanks to its traditional winemaking process and the designations that regulate its production, Moscato d'Asti guarantees recognized quality and authenticity. It is a wine to discover or rediscover for all lovers of Italian wines.

So don't hesitate to be tempted by this nectar from Piedmont, whether for a special occasion or simply for the pleasure of tasting a sparkling and fruity wine. You will be charmed by the freshness and lightness of Moscato d'Asti!