Asti DOCG wines are made in Piedmont’s Asti Province. White wines, sparkling wines and dessert wines may be made under Asti DOCG regulations. Today we are tasting a white wine and sparkling wine, both of which we received as tasting samples.
About Moscato Bianco
Moscato Bianco is the undisputed star of the wines made in Piedmont’s Asti DOCG where it must comprise a minimum of 97% of all wines. It has been used in winemaking in this part of northeastern Italy since at least the 1300s according to in Ian D’Agata in Native Wine Grapes of Italy. He argues that because it grows in nearly every region of Italy, where it goes by many names, it is more likely to be of Italian origin than Greek origin, which he concedes some still favor. In Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, including their Origins and Flavours by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, José Vouillamoz, where the reader is directed to Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (Moscato Bianco’s French name), the authors point to the Greek origin, but note that Moscato Bianco’s origin is not completely certain. Either way, it is a very old grape variety grown in many wine regions. The variety’s list of principal synonyms in Wine Grapes runs for nearly 3 inches of very fine print.
Moscato Bianco is susceptible to many grapevine pests. Its berries are small and thin skinned and it ripens late, which can be problematic in cooler climates. Moscato Bianco grows successfully in a variety of climates, though, from cool to very warm. It is known for its perfumed, floral and spicy aromas.
Asti DOCG Wines
Moscato d’Asti is a white wine made by pressing Moscato Bianco grapes (at least 97%), clarifying the juice and storing it at very cold temperatures to prevent fermentation. The temperature is raised and yeast is added to begin fermentation. Fermentation takes place under controlled pressure and temperature, and when the desired alcohol content is reached the wine is cooled and the yeast removed by filtration to prevent further fermentation. Stopping the fermentation at a low alcohol level leaves unfermented sugar in the wine, giving it a sweet flavor.
The wine is bottled, also under pressure, so it is slightly effervescent. Asti DOCG wines must be no more than 2.5 atmospheres of pressure. Because of the lower pressure, Moscato d’Asti does not need to be bottled with a cork and cage (as with Prosecco), a cork will do.
2023 Emilio Vada Camp Bianc, Moscato d’Asti DOCG — light yellow and lightly effervescent with generous aromas of citrus blossoms, beeswax and ripe apples. Flavors are sweet with orange blossoms, candied orange peel and spice. The wine is round and mouth filling with soft bubbles and a citrus pith finish. 5% ABV, $18
100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli grapes were used to make this wine and fermentation used natural yeasts. The flavors are very complex and although it is very sweet, it has adequate acidity to balance the sweetness.
Emilio Vada’s winery and vineyard are located on rolling hills near Coazzolo, where, according to the winery, “the Langhe, land of the Nebbiolo, becomes the Monferrato, land famous for the Moscato D’Asti wine.” Cascina Emilio Vada Farm crafts Dolcetto d’Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo and Barbera d’Asti in addition to Moscato d’Asti.
Asti or Asti Spumanti is a sparkling wine made by pressing Moscato Bianco grapes (minimum 97%). The juice is filtered and chilled to prevent spontaneous fermentation. To begin fermentation, the temperature is increased and yeasts are added to the pressure-controlled tanks. Fermentation is stopped at the desired level of sweetness resulting in wines from pas dosé (zero dosage) to dolce. Minimum one-month aging in tank is required. Asti or Asti Spumanti is fermented longer under pressure than Moscato d’Asti and is bottled at a higher pressure, thus these wines are closed with a cork and cage.
Caudrina La Selvatica NV, Dolce, Asti Spumanti DOCG — very pale yellow with generous foamy bubbles and aromas of citrus zest and orange blossoms. Flavors are sweet with candied orange peel, citrus pith and creamy, mouth filling bubbles. 7% ABV $18.88 to $21.99
100% Moscato Bianco is grown in a 2.5 hectare vineyard planted in 1975. The grapes are hand harvested and fermentation used selected yeasts.
These wines are easy sipping with generous aromas and complex flavors. They are sweet, but both are balanced wines. They are an excellent way to become familiar with the primary flavors and character of the Moscato Bianco grape. And they are very low in alcohol, which many wine enthusiasts are taking into consideration these days. We happened to be nibbling on Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cheese as we tasted these wines, and the pairing was delish.
Other Asti DOCG Wines
Asti or Asti Spumanti Metodo Classico DOCG wines must go through a second fermentation in the bottle, rather than in-tank second fermentation. Minimum aging 9 months on the lees is required.
Vendemmia Tardiva is a late harvest dessert wine made using Moscato Bianco. Minimum aging ranges from one to two years. You may see these styles appended with sub-zones or other geographic terms.
Thanks to Platinum Media for organizing our tasting.
Cheers!
