Best Producers: Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante from Piedmont
While most consumers recognize Asti Spumante instantly, few have heard of a related, though very different wine: Moscato d'Asti. Asti Spumante refers to a fully sparkling wine with straightforward sweet and fruity flavors, that can be quite enjoyable as a dessert selection. Moscato d'Asti, on the other hand, is one of the world's great wine styles. It is a low-alohol, semi-sparkling wine with about half the carbonation of a typical sparkling wine, and is released very soon after the vintage to preserve its uniquely fresh character. It is extremely aromatic, with a famously complex perfume, and generally has a mild level of sweetness counterbalanced by vibrant acidity.
Moscato d'Asti makes an exceptional dessert wine, but is also versatile enough to serve as an aperitif. Served alone, it is one of the most refreshing wines in the world; what could be better on a hot summer day? One final note: Moscato d'Asti is always best consumed within two years of the vintage on the label.
