Moscato d'Asti

Moscato d’Asti is a seductive, lightly sparkling dessert wine from the heart of Piedmont. This Italian classic is made from the aromatic Moscato Bianco grape and is known for its low alcohol content, natural sweetness, and delicate bubbles. With its expressive aromas of ripe fruit and flowers, Moscato d’Asti is the perfect wine for a summer afternoon, a festive aperitif, or a refreshing end to a meal.

Moscato d’Asti: Seductively Sweet and Lightly Sparkling

Moscato d’Asti is one of the best-known appellations of Piedmont in Northern Italy. This wine region is world-renowned for its elegant and refined sparkling wines made from the Muscat grape (Moscato Bianco). Characterized by low alcohol, gentle sweetness, and delicate effervescence, it’s the ideal wine for festive moments, summer lunches, or as a companion to desserts and fruity dishes.

Where is Moscato d’Asti Located?

The DOCG Moscato d’Asti is located in the southern part of Piedmont, particularly in the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo. The rolling hills with chalky soils, abundant sunshine, and cool nights are perfectly suited for the early-ripening Moscato Bianco. The combination of climate and terroir results in wines with aromatic intensity, natural freshness, and fine acidity.

What Makes Moscato d’Asti Unique?

Unlike many other sparkling wines, Moscato d’Asti undergoes only one fermentation, typically in a closed tank (autoclave). Fermentation is halted by chilling once the desired alcohol level (usually around 5–5.5%) and residual sugar content are reached. This process preserves both the natural sweetness and the fresh bubbles in the wine.

The wine is bottled under low pressure, making Moscato d’Asti technically a frizzante (lightly sparkling) rather than a spumante (fully sparkling). This gives the wine a playful, delicate, and highly approachable character.

Flavor Profile of Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti is renowned for its expressive nose and lively flavor. Typical characteristics include:

- Aromas: blossom, peach, apricot, muscat grapes, citrus, and honey
- Taste: lightly sweet, fruity, softly sparkling, with refreshing acidity
- Alcohol content: typically between 4.5% and 5.5%
- Serving temperature: 6–8°C (43–46°F)

This is a wine bursting with primary fruit flavors, without oak aging or structural heaviness. It’s precisely this simplicity and charm that makes Moscato d’Asti so beloved.

Food Pairings with Moscato d’Asti

Thanks to its light style and pleasant sweetness, Moscato d’Asti is highly versatile at the table. Here are some pairing suggestions:

- Fresh fruit and fruit-based desserts (such as peach tart or strawberries with cream)
- Pavlova, panna cotta, or tiramisu
- Blue cheeses like Gorgonzola dolce
- Aperitif for brunches and garden parties

Buy Moscato d’Asti at Grandcruwijnen

This wine is a true crowd-pleaser: low in alcohol, gently sweet, and intensely aromatic. Perfect to share with friends or to end a meal on a festive note.