Asti (wine)

Asti is a type of sparkling wine produced in the southeastern part of Piedmont, Italy, around the cities of Asti and Alba. It is made from the Moscato Bianco grape, also known as White Muscat, and is known for its sweet and fruity flavor.

History

Asti has a long history dating back to the times of the Ancient Romans. The Romans used to call the wine produced in this region "vinum laetificum" or "wine that brings joy". The production of Asti as we know it today began in the 19th century, when Carlo Gancia learned the method of making sparkling wine in Champagne, France, and applied it to the Moscato Bianco grape in Piedmont.

Production

Asti is produced using the Charmat method, in which the second fermentation takes place in a stainless steel tank rather than in the bottle, which is the method used in Champagne. This method preserves the flavor and aroma of the Moscato Bianco grape, resulting in a wine that is sweet, low in alcohol, and lightly sparkling.

The production of Asti is strictly regulated by the Italian wine classification system. It has been awarded the status of Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), the highest classification for Italian wines, which guarantees its origin and quality.

Characteristics

Asti is a pale yellow wine with a fine and persistent perlage. It has a characteristic aroma of Moscato Bianco, with notes of sage, honey, and white fruit. On the palate, it is sweet and fruity, with a balanced acidity that gives it freshness.

Asti is often served as a dessert wine, but it can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or with light meals. It is traditionally served chilled, at a temperature of around 6-8°C.

See also

• Italian wine
• Moscato d'Asti
• Charmat method
• Carlo Gancia