Moscato d'Asti

Moscato d'Asti is one of the most famous sparkling (white) wines of Italy. The wine is characterized by it's gentle fizz ("frizzante" in Italian), a low alcohol content (only 4.5 to 6.5 percent) and it's light to fairly sweet taste. These characteristics make that the wine often is used as a dessert wine and aperitif.

The fragrance of a Moscato d'Asti wine is generally fruity, where ripe citrus and tropical fruits dominate. On the palate the fruit is also widely present, in particular: apricot, pear and apple. A good quality Moscato d'Asti is not only sweet with lots of fruit, it should also have enough acidity to keep the wine in balance.

The wine is made ​​from 100% Moscato Bianco grapes and originates from an area in Piedmont which roughly lies within the limits of the provinces of Asti, Alessandria and Cuneo.

Moscato d'Asti is related to the similarly named Asti wine. Both wines have been produced since the 13th century, however the modern version of Moscato d'Asti dates from the end of the 19th century.

The biggest difference between both wines is that Asti is a Spumante wine (spumante has a firmer sparkle than Frizzante) and that it may contain more alcohol (between 7 and 9 percent) than Moscato d'Asti.

Moscato d'Asti en Asti both have the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, the highest in Italy.