Moscato d’Asti wine
Moscato d’Asti is a fresh white and fruity moscato wine that is slightly sparkling. The taste is sweet with a modest percentage of alcohol. When Moscato d’Asti is combined with food, it is usually the dessert. The wine is produced from the best moscato grapes and comes from the famous wine region of Piemonte in Italy. The wine is considered by many to be the best moscato wine and sparkling wines in the world.
Tasting notes
Moscato d’Asti wines are renowned for their distinctive and aromatic characteristics, both in terms of smell and taste. Moscato d’Asti often exhibits a captivating fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom. The wine’s bouquet can be intensely floral, exuding delicate and sweet floral notes that evoke the aroma of blooming orange flowers. The wines are highly aromatic, with a pronounced and fragrant nose. The aroma can be quite potent, filling the glass with an inviting perfume that entices the senses.
Moscato d’Asti typically showcases the flavors of ripe stone fruits. These can include notes of juicy peaches, luscious apricots, and succulent nectarines. The wine’s sweetness enhances the fruitiness, creating a harmonious and delightful taste experience. It is known for its gentle effervescence, which adds a delightful liveliness to the wine. The bubbles are typically fine and subtle, dancing on the palate. The lightly sparkling contributes to the wine’s refreshing nature and enhances the overall drinking experience.
Moscato d’Asti wines are often characterized by their sweetness. The residual sugar present in the wine provides a pleasant and balanced sweetness that is not overly cloying. This sweetness is a defining feature of Moscato d’Asti and contributes to its reputation as a dessert wine.
Moscato d’Asti wines are celebrated for their aromatic complexity, showcasing the enticing fragrance of orange blossoms. On the palate, they offer a delightful combination of stone fruit flavors, a gentle effervescence, and a touch of sweetness. These characteristics contribute to the wine’s refreshing and vibrant personality, making it a popular choice for those seeking a light and aromatic wine experience.
Production of Moscato d’Asti
The production of Moscato d’Asti wine involves several key steps, from grape cultivation to bottling. The grapes for Moscato d’Asti must have no traces of rot and must contain sufficient sugar and acids. They are pressed immediately after picking to preserve the fruity aromas.
It’s important to note that the production methods may vary slightly among different producers, as each one may have their own unique techniques and approaches. However, the overall goal remains consistent—to craft a Moscato d’Asti wine that captures the grape’s aromas, retains its natural sweetness, and showcases its delicate effervescence.
Grape Cultivation
This sweet wine is made primarily from the Moscato Bianco grape variety, also known as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. The cultivation of the Moscato grape typically takes place in the Piedmont region of Italy, where the vines thrive in the hilly areas with optimal sun exposure. The region’s unique terroir, with its well-drained soils and favorable climate, contributes to the grapes’ aromatic and flavorful characteristics.
Harvesting
The Moscato grapes are typically hand-picked to ensure that only the ripest and healthiest bunches are selected. This careful selection process guarantees the best quality grapes for winemaking. Harvesting usually occurs in late summer or early autumn, when the grapes have reached their optimal ripeness, retaining their natural acidity and aromatic potential.
Gentle Crushing and Pressing
Once the grapes are harvested, they undergo a process of gentle crushing and pressing to extract the juice. It is crucial to minimize the extraction of tannins from the grape skins, as Moscato d’Asti is meant to be a low-tannin aromatic wine. This process focuses on extracting the aromatic compounds and flavors from the grapes while maintaining their delicate characteristics.
Fermentation
The extracted grape juice is transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Selected yeasts may be added to initiate the fermentation process. It’s important to note that Moscato d’Asti is typically fermented at low temperatures to preserve the wine’s natural sweetness and fragrant aromas. The fermentation process is usually stopped before completion, leaving a significant amount of residual sugar in the wine.
Carbonation
To create the characteristic gentle effervescence of Moscato d’Asti, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation. This step is often accomplished using the Charmat method, where the wine is transferred to pressurized tanks, and a controlled amount of sugar and yeast is added to induce fermentation. This process traps carbon dioxide in the wine, resulting in the wine’s sparkling nature.
Filtering and Bottling
After fermentation and carbonation, the wine undergoes filtering to remove any remaining solids or sediments. The filtered wine is then bottled under controlled conditions to preserve its freshness, flavors, and delicate bubbles. The bottles are sealed with cork or screw caps, depending on the producer’s preference.
Aging and Release
While the sweet wine can be enjoyed young to embrace its vibrant fruitiness, some producers choose to age their wines briefly to allow the flavors to integrate further. However, the aging process for Moscato wines is generally shorter compared to other wines, as it is meant to be enjoyed for its youthful and lively characteristics. Once the winemaker deems the wine ready, it is released to the market for consumers to savor.
The Asti region
Moscato d’Asti is made in the Piedmont wine region in northwestern Italy. The wine is a “Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita”. In addition to Piemonte, this sparkling wine is also made in the smaller nearby provinces of Alessandria and Cuneo. Asti is a place name of a beautifully situated town in the hilly landscape of Piemonte. The rocky sandstone soil is perfect for growing the Moscato (Muscat Blanc) grapes.
Asti Spumante
Another sparkling wine is also produced in Asti. This is the Asti Spumante. The regulations surrounding Moscato d’Asti are slightly stricter. In addition, Moscato d’Asti has a low alcohol percentage (5% against 7-9%), compared to Asti Spumante. Although the character is slightly different, you also drink a delicious wine with it.
Producers
There are several esteemed producers of Moscato d’Asti wine known for their commitment to quality and consistency. While individual preferences may vary, here are a few renowned producers that have established a reputation for producing exceptional sweet sparkling wines. It’s worth noting that the Moscato d’Asti market is diverse, and there are numerous other exceptional producers beyond the ones listed above. Exploring different producers and vintages can offer a broader perspective on the styles and nuances of Moscato d’Asti wines.
Michele Chiarlo
Michele Chiarlo is a prominent producer in Piedmont, Italy, and is recognized for crafting high-quality Moscato d’Asti. Their Moscato d’Asti “Nivole” is particularly well-regarded for its aromatic intensity and balanced sweetness.
Fontanafredda
Fontanafredda is one of the most historic and largest wineries in Piedmont, producing a wide range of wines. Their Moscato d’Asti offerings are known for their consistent quality, bright fruit flavors, and delicate effervescence.
La Spinetta
La Spinetta, also known as Giorgio Rivetti, is renowned for its Moscato d’Asti production. Their Moscato d’Asti “Bricco Quaglia” is celebrated for its expressive aromatics, luscious sweetness, and refreshing acidity.
Michele Chiarlo
Michele Chiarlo is a prominent producer in Piedmont, Italy, and is recognized for crafting high-quality Moscato d’Asti. Their Moscato d’Asti “Nivole” is particularly well-regarded for its aromatic intensity and balanced sweetness.
Paolo Saracco
Paolo Saracco is a family-owned winery that focuses exclusively on producing Moscato d’Asti. Their Moscato d’Asti “Paolo Saracco” is highly regarded for its elegant floral bouquet, balanced sweetness, and crisp finish.
Ca’ d’Gal
Ca’ d’Gal is a boutique producer that has gained recognition for their artisanal approach to winemaking. Their Moscato d’Asti wines are praised for their complexity, fine bubbles, and long-lasting finish.
Pairing with food
Moscato d’Asti is a delightful dessert wine known for its sweet, aromatic character and gentle effervescence. Its unique flavor profile and refreshing qualities make it a versatile choice for food pairings. While traditionally enjoyed on its own as a dessert wine, it can also be paired with a variety of dishes, including foods that are spicy.
The natural sweetness and lower alcohol content of Moscato d’Asti complement a wide range of desserts. Its vibrant fruity notes and floral aromas harmonize beautifully with fruit-based desserts such as fruit tarts, sorbets, and fresh berries. The wine’s refreshing effervescence helps cleanse the palate and balance the richness of creamy desserts like panna cotta or crème brûlée.
Despite being a dessert wine, Moscato d’Asti’s sweetness can also provide a delightful contrast to spicy foods. The wine’s slight effervescence and natural sweetness can help temper the heat of dishes infused with spices or chili peppers. For example, pairing Moscato d’Asti with spicy Thai cuisine, Indian curries, or Mexican dishes can create a pleasing balance between the wine’s sweetness and the savory, spicy flavors of the food.
When it comes to cheese pairings, Moscato d’Asti pairs well with soft and creamy cheeses such as goat cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone. The wine’s aromatic profile complements the mild tanginess of these cheeses, creating a delightful combination.
Due to its aromatic nature, these wines also pairs well with aromatic wines. For instance, if you enjoy floral and aromatic white wines like Gewürztraminer or Riesling, you may find Moscato d’Asti to be a wonderful companion. The similar aromatic qualities can enhance the overall experience and create a symphony of floral and fruity flavors.
When exploring food pairings with Moscato d’Asti, it’s essential to consider the intensity of flavors and aim for a harmonious balance. The wine’s sweetness and effervescence can accentuate the flavors of the accompanying dish, while the acidity and freshness help cleanse the palate, preparing it for the next bite.
Remember, personal preferences play a significant role in food and wine pairings, so don’t hesitate to experiment and discover your own favorite combinations.
