If you’ve ever sipped something lightly fizzy, sweet, and full of peach and floral notes—it might have been Moscato d’Asti. This Italian favourite is often underestimated, but when made well, it’s a beautifully balanced, aromatic wine with lower alcohol, gentle sparkle, and crowd-pleasing charm.
Let’s dive into where it comes from, how it’s made, and why it might be the most underrated bottle in your fridge.
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Where does Moscato d’Asti come from?
Moscato d’Asti is made in the Piedmont region of north-west Italy, from the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape—locally known as Moscato Bianco. The wine takes its name from the town of Asti, a centre of sweet sparkling wine production.
Unlike full-blown sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco, Moscato d’Asti is frizzante—meaning gently sparkling, not fully bubbly. It’s made to be low in alcohol (usually around 7% ABV) and high in freshness, fruit, and fun.
How is Moscato d’Asti made?
Moscato d’Asti is made using the Asti Method (also called the Charmat-Martinotti Method, with a twist).
Unlike traditional sparkling wine, which undergoes two fermentations, Moscato d’Asti is only fermented once, in a pressurised tank.
Here’s how it works:
- Cold fermentation – Grapes are pressed and the juice is chilled to delay fermentation.
- Pressure tank fermentation – When ready, the juice is warmed slightly and fermentation starts inside a sealed, pressurised tank.
- Stopped early – The winemaker stops fermentation (usually by chilling and filtering) before all the sugar is converted into alcohol.
- Bottled under pressure – The wine is bottled with its natural CO₂, giving it a gentle fizz and residual sugar.
This process captures the grape’s pure, aromatic character while keeping the alcohol low and the sweetness beautifully balanced by acidity.
Moscato d’Asti vs Asti Spumante
They sound similar, but they’re different in style:
- Moscato d’Asti – Light sparkle (frizzante), ~7% ABV, sweeter, more delicate. Made from a single fermentation stopped early.
- Asti Spumante – Fully sparkling (spumante), higher pressure and often higher alcohol (7–9%), with more consistent bubbles and a broader flavour profile.
Moscato d’Asti is generally considered more refined, with intense aromatics and a more artisanal feel.
What does it taste like?
Moscato d’Asti is known for being aromatic and fruit-forward, with notes of:
- Peach, apricot, and nectarine
- Honey and orange blossom
- Lemon zest and sweet citrus
- A hint of musk or elderflower
Despite the sweetness, a good Moscato d’Asti has vibrant acidity and a clean finish. The fizz keeps it fresh and lively, never syrupy or cloying.
How to enjoy it
Moscato d’Asti is best served well chilled—around 6–8°C—and is a go-to for brunches, dessert pairings, or afternoon sipping.
It’s a perfect match with:
- Fruit tarts, panna cotta, or pavlova
- Spicy Asian dishes (yes, really!)
- Soft cheeses like burrata or triple cream brie
- Fresh strawberries or stone fruit
The wine’s sweetness offsets spice and salt, while the gentle fizz cuts through richness.
Final sip
Moscato d’Asti is proof that wine doesn’t have to be big or bold to be brilliant. With its soft sparkle, fragrant nose, and low alcohol, it offers a joyful drinking experience that’s as refreshing as it is indulgent.
Made with a unique one-step fermentation process in the Asti hills, this wine is all about capturing freshness at its peak. Whether you’re new to wine or deep into your collection, there’s always room in the fridge for a bottle of Moscato d’Asti.
Next time you need something light, bright, and effortlessly delicious—this Italian classic delivers.
