Moscato d'Asti: The Magic of Italy's Bubbly & Sweet Wine

Moscato d'Asti is light, slightly fizzy, and undeniably Italian—perfect for an afternoon glass. Historically, this wine was enjoyed by Italian royalty as early as the 16th century, praised for its sweetness and elegance. It’s no surprise that people still love its royal-worthy charm today.

So how did this once wine, once exclusively enjoyed by royalty, come to be loved by so many around the world?

If you’re in the Herkimer, NY region, be sure to pick up a bottle of Moscato d'Asti at Valley Wine & Liquor today and enjoy a glass; and keep on reading as we explore more about Italy’s bubbly and sweet wine. 

Moscato d’Asti is a sweet, lightly sparkling wine produced in the Asti region of Piedmont, Italy. It’s made from the Moscato Bianco grape, one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. The lower alcohol content, which is usually 5% -6%, makes it a fun and easy-to-drink choice for any occasion.

But what sets Moscato d’Asti apart from other sparkling wines is how it offers a balance of sweetness and acidity. You’re greeted with aromas of fresh peaches, apricots, and honeysuckle, followed by a taste that’s just sweet enough without being overwhelming.

The story of Moscato d'Asti is as rich and layered as the wine itself. Its roots stretch back to the ancient Romans, who cultivated Moscato Bianco grapes in the hills of what is now Piedmont. But it wasn't until the Middle Ages that Moscato d'Asti as we know it began to take shape.

In those times, Moscato d'Asti was the morning wine of choice for Piedmontese farmers and workers. Its low alcohol content made it perfect for quenching thirst without hindering the day's labor. Over centuries, local winemakers honed their craft, perfecting the delicate balance of sweetness, fizz, and flavor that defines Moscato d'Asti.

The wine's modern identity solidified in the 20th century. In 1993, Moscato d'Asti received its DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status, the highest level of Italian wine classification. This recognition cemented its place in the pantheon of great Italian wines and helped propel it onto the global stage.

Today, Moscato d'Asti continues to evolve. While it honors its centuries-old traditions, modern winemakers are experimenting with new techniques and styles, ensuring that this beloved wine remains relevant and exciting for new generations of wine lovers.

Moscato d'Asti's unique taste comes from its special winemaking process. Here's how it happens:

1. It starts with Moscato Bianco grapes, picked early to keep their sweetness and aroma.
2. The grapes are quickly pressed and the juice is chilled to prevent early fermentation.
3. When ready, the juice is warmed and fermentation begins.
4. Unlike other wines, fermentation is stopped when the alcohol reaches about 5-6%. This keeps some of the natural sugar in the wine.
5. The bubbles come from trapped carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. It's less bubbly than Champagne, giving Moscato d'Asti its gentle fizz.

This process preserves the grape's flavors and creates the light, sweet, slightly sparkling wine we know as Moscato d'Asti.

Moscato d'Asti is known for its fruity aroma and sweet taste. Here's what you can expect:

1. Smell: When you sniff Moscato d'Asti, you'll likely notice scents of:

• Peaches
• Apricots
• Orange blossoms
• Sometimes hints of sage or mint

2. Taste: The flavors usually match the smells. You might taste:

• Sweet grapes
• Peaches
• A touch of citrus

While it's sweet, Moscato d'Asti also has some acidity. This balance keeps it refreshing and easy to drink.

3. Sweetness: Moscato d'Asti is definitely on the sweet side. It usually has about 90-100 grams of sugar per liter. But this sweetness comes naturally from the grapes, not added sugar.

4. Alcohol: Most Moscato d'Asti wines have 5-6% alcohol by volume. This is lower than many other wines, which are usually 11-14%.

This mix of fruity flavors, sweetness, low alcohol, and light bubbles makes Moscato d'Asti a popular choice for many occasions, from casual sipping to pairing with desserts.

Moscato d’Asti pairs well with foods that it can complement or contrast. Here are a few food pairings you should try with this sweet wine: 

Fresh Fruit Salads:

• Example: Berries, peaches, or citrus fruit salads
• Why It Works: The natural sweetness of Moscato complements the fruity, tangy flavors.

Light Pastries:

• Example: Fruit tarts, cream puffs
• Why It Works: Moscato’s sweetness mirrors the delicate flavors of pastries without overpowering them.

Vanilla Ice Cream:

• Example: Vanilla ice cream, lemon sorbet
• Why It Works: The wine’s subtle sweetness balances out the richness of ice cream and sorbet.

Mild Cheeses:

• Example: Brie, mozzarella
• Why It Works: The mild flavor of these cheeses won’t overpower the wine’s fruity notes.

Light Salads:

• Example: Salads with fruit like apple or pear
• Why It Works: The sweetness of the wine complements the fruity elements in the salad.

Spicy Asian Cuisine:

• Example: Thai or Indian dishes with chili
• Why It Works: The sweetness offsets the heat, creating a refreshing contrast.

Chilled as Aperitif:

• Example: Serve Moscato d'Asti alone
• Why It Works: Its light and slightly fizzy nature makes it a refreshing pre-meal drink.

Paired with Appetizers:

• Example: Prosciutto-wrapped melon
• Why It Works: The saltiness of prosciutto contrasts beautifully with the wine’s sweetness.

Moscato Spritzer:

• Example: Mix Moscato with sparkling water and fresh fruit
• Why It Works: This creates a light, fizzy drink that’s refreshing and easy to sip before dinner.

There are also some foods that you’re better off avoiding if Moscato d'Asti is your choice of drink. 

Heavy Red Meats:

• Why It Doesn’t Work: The delicate sweetness of Moscato will be overpowered by the richness of meats like steak.

Rich, Creamy Sauces:

• Why It Doesn’t Work: These will coat the palate too much, blocking out the lighter flavors of the wine.

Dark Chocolate:

• Why It Doesn’t Work: The bitterness of dark chocolate clashes with the sweet, fruity notes of Moscato.

At Valley Wine & Liquor, we're proud to offer a selection of high-quality Moscato d'Asti wines. Here are our top picks:

Each of these wines offers a unique take on Moscato d'Asti, catering to different preferences and occasions. Whether you're new to Moscato d'Asti or a long-time fan, you're sure to find a bottle you'll love at Valley Wine & Liquor, NY. 

If you're craving a sweet, light, and slightly fizzy wine, Moscato d'Asti is the perfect choice. Its delicate flavors and low alcohol content make it an ideal treat for any occasion—whether it's a casual gathering or a special celebration.

Visit Valley Wine & Liquor at 326 South Caroline Street, Herkimer, NY 13350 to grab a bottle of this delightful wine. You can also explore our online shop and have it delivered to your door.

Call us at (315) 867-5800, and let our friendly staff help you find the perfect Moscato for your next toast!