MOSCATO D'ASTI, ASTI SPUMANTE AND PROSECCO: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES

Welcome to EasyGusto, your online destination to discover the culinary treasures of Italy! As a family-owned business passionate about gastronomy, we are delighted to present a topic that excites many Italian wine enthusiasts: the differences between Moscato d'Asti, Asti Spumante, and Prosecco.

These three Italian sparkling wines each have their unique personality, distinct characteristics, and fascinating history. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious amateur, let's dive together into the world of these delicious Italian bubbles!

Moscato d'Asti: A Delicate Sweetness

Moscato d'Asti is a sparkling white wine produced in the Piedmont region, in the northwest of Italy. Made from the Moscato Bianco grape variety, this wine is distinguished by its sweetness, freshness, and delicate fruity aromas.

Origin and Terroir

Moscato d'Asti originates from the city of Asti and its surroundings, where the Mediterranean climate and clay-limestone soils provide ideal conditions for growing Moscato Bianco. This grape variety, known for its low alcohol content and high aromatic concentration, is hand-harvested with the utmost care.

Production Method

Moscato d'Asti is produced using the Charmat method, also known as the Martinotti method. After a primary fermentation, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in a closed tank, which gives it its fine bubbles and delicate effervescence. The process is stopped when the wine reaches a high residual sugar level, giving it that characteristic sweetness.

Tasting Profile

Moscato d'Asti is characterized by its floral, fruity, and honeyed notes. It features aromas of white flowers, peach, mango, and honey. On the palate, it reveals itself to be sweet, fruity, and slightly sparkling, with a fresh acidity that perfectly balances the sweetness.

Food and Wine Pairing

Thanks to its sweetness and fruity notes, Moscato d'Asti pairs wonderfully with desserts, fresh fruits, soft cheeses, and spicy dishes. It also makes an excellent aperitif, refreshing and sociable.

Asti Spumante: An Elegant Effervescence

Asti Spumante, also originating from the Piedmont region, is a sparkling white wine that stands out for its elegant effervescence and complex aromatic profile.

Origin and Terroir

Like Moscato d'Asti, Asti Spumante is made from the Moscato Bianco grape variety. However, the production area extends over a larger territory, including the provinces of Asti, Alexandria, and Cuneo. The vineyards benefit from a temperate continental climate, with hot and dry summers, conducive to the optimal ripening of the grapes.

Production Method

Asti Spumante is produced using the Charmat method, just like Moscato d'Asti. However, the winemaking process is longer and more complex, with a more advanced secondary fermentation that gives this wine a more sustained effervescence and a slightly higher alcohol content.

Tasting Profile

Asti Spumante is characterized by more intense and complex aromas than Moscato d'Asti. It features notes of white fruits, citrus, white flowers, and honey. On the palate, it reveals itself to be drier, with a livelier effervescence and a more pronounced acidity, while still retaining a certain sweetness.

Food and Wine Pairings

Thanks to its balance between sweetness and freshness, Asti Spumante pairs perfectly with desserts, fruits, fresh cheeses, and fish dishes. It can also be served as an aperitif or accompany spicy dishes.

Prosecco: A Friendly Fizz

Prosecco is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and appreciated Italian sparkling wines in the world. Originating from the Veneto region in northeastern Italy, it is distinguished by its light fizz and fruity aromatic profile.

Origin and Terroir

Prosecco is produced from the Glera grape, formerly known as Prosecco. The production area extends across the provinces of Treviso, Venice, Padua, Vicenza, and Belluno, where the vineyards benefit from a temperate climate and clay-limestone soils.

Production Method

Unlike Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante, Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, but with a shorter secondary fermentation process. This gives it a lighter effervescence and generally lower alcohol content.

Tasting Profile

Prosecco is characterized by aromas of white fruits, citrus, and white flowers. On the palate, it is fresh, fruity, and slightly sparkling, with balanced acidity and a delicate finish.

Food and Wine Pairings

Thanks to its light fizz and fruity notes, Prosecco pairs perfectly with appetizers, seafood dishes, salads, and light meals. It is also an excellent choice for cocktails and social occasions.

Conclusion: Choosing the Italian Sparkling Wine That Suits You

Whether you prefer the delicate sweetness of Moscato d'Asti, the elegance of Asti Spumante, or the friendly fizz of Prosecco, each of these Italian wines has its own personality and will delight your taste buds. Don't hesitate to discover and taste them to find the one that suits you best!

At EasyGusto, we are proud to offer you a selection of these quality Italian sparkling wines. Join our community to experience a unique and authentic Italian culinary experience!