Moscato D'asti
By: Sheri Wetherell

About

A sweet, semi-sparkling wine produced from Moscato grapes in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It has a very low alcohol content and is frequently consumed with dessert. Moscato d'Asti must be made from 100%% Moscato Bianco grapes.

Physical Description
This wine has a very subtle, light sparkle and should be crystal-clear.
Colors: Pale gold to straw yellow, of varying intensity


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Pear, tangerine, nectarine, melon, grape, flowers
Mouthfeel: Crisp, Thin
Food complements: Hors d'oeuvres, Light yeast breads, Fresh fruit, Fruit tarts, Panettone, Chocolate, Creamy puddings, Almond desserts
Wine complements: Sherry
Beverage complements: Water
Substitutes: Asti spumante


Selecting and Buying
Choosing: Look for Moscato d'Asti produced by the following wineries: Oscar Bosio, Cascinetta, La Caudrina, Ceretto, Contratto, and Mondoro.
Buying: Moscato d'Asti is widely available in northwestern Italy, where its grapes are grown. It is also easily obtainable on the Internet and at fine wine purveyors throughout the world; it is sold in cobalt-blue bottles. . It is always best consumed within two years of the vintage; this is not a wine that should be stored for many years before drinking.
Procuring: This wine is made from Moscato Bianco grapes grown in the Piedmont region of Italy: Monteferrato, Langhe, Asti, Cuneo, and Alessandria. 


Preparation and Use
Moscato d'Asti should be served chilled or just slightly below room temperature.


Conserving and Storing
Bottles should be stored in a cool, dark place, preferably on racks where they will not be disturbed so as to allow any sediment to sink to the bottom.

Comments:
Linda Owens

Moscato D'asti is a very sweet, low alcohol,  very slightly bubbly wine from Italy.  Some have a peach flavor and some have a vanilla flavor.  It is a nice dessert wine.  It is usually stocked near the champagnes at the liquor store.
Maria Hunt

Moscato d'Asti is made from the moscato bianco grape in Piedmont Italy. Good Moscato d'Asti has a nice balance between sweetness and acidity, soft bubbles and a fresh fruity aroma that recalls grapes, peaches and flowers. It's a perfect daytime or brunch wine as most are just 6 to 8 percent alcohol.
stefano Poggi

"Moscato d'Asti is widely available in northwestern Italy, where its grapes are grown. It is also easily obtainable on the Internet and at fine wine purveyors throughout the world; it is sold in cobalt-blue bottles. . It is always best consumed within two years of the vintage; this is not a wine that should be stored for many years before drinking."
Actually - Moscato in blue bottles is not recommended, as it is the least recyclable of all glass.  White or orange bottles are much better.
Also, it is always recommended well chilled.
Maria Hunt

Moscato d'Asti is made from the moscato bianco grape in Piedmont Italy. Good Moscato d'Asti has a nice balance between sweetness and acidity, soft bubbles and a fresh fruity aroma that recalls grapes, peaches and flowers. It's a perfect daytime or brunch wine as most are just 6 to 8 percent alcohol.
Linda Owens

Moscato D'asti is a very sweet, low alcohol,  very slightly bubbly wine from Italy.  Some have a peach flavor and some have a vanilla flavor.  It is a nice dessert wine.  It is usually stocked near the champagnes at the liquor store.