Wine Description & Tasting Notes
There is mystery when we talk about Moscato as it is considered the most ancient, if not the oldest, grape variety cultivated in the Eastern Mediterranean basin and in Italy, whose tens of cultivar are known. The origin of its name is mysterious too. Somebody says it derives from latin “muscus”, or the fact that it was the favourite grape of the flies “mosche”, without mentioning that still in Latin times, its grape was apparently called “apianae” because it was preferred by bees “api”.
In short, an unsolved enigma that in no way prejudices to the certainties of its recent history. The Moscato, as its variety “Bianco” or from “Canelli”, finds the best natural habitat in Southern Piedmont/Piemonte, in the surrounding area of 52 small cities from the Provinces of Asti, Alessandria and Cuneo.
Nose: Aromatic and intensely floral, with vibrant notes of peach syrup, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and fresh apricot. Subtle hints of sage, honey, and citrus zest.
Palate: Light-bodied yet luscious, offering a refreshing sweetness that is perfectly balanced by crisp acidity. The flavors mirror the nose, with ripe pear, candied citrus, and elderflower leading into a creamy, smooth texture. A fine, elegant effervescence enhances the wine’s freshness, making each sip delightful.
Food Pairing Recommendations
Moscato d’Asti’s vibrant acidity and delicate sweetness make it a versatile pairing for a variety of dishes:
- Desserts: Perfect with fruit tarts, lemon meringue pie, panna cotta, and almond biscotti. A personal favourite is with Crème Brûlée!
- Cheese: Complements soft and creamy cheeses like ricotta, Brie, or Gorgonzola Dolce.
- Spicy Dishes: Pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, Thai curries, or Szechuan dishes, balancing heat with its sweetness.
- Brunch Fare: A refreshing match for pastries, crepes, and fresh berries.
- Aperitif: Delightful on its own as a festive and aromatic pre-dinner drink.
La Spinetta: A Pioneer in Piemonte Winemaking
Founded in 1977 by the Rivetti family, La Spinetta is one of Piemonte’s most prestigious wineries, known for its uncompromising commitment to quality and terroir-driven wines. Originally gaining fame for their remarkable Barbarescos and Barolos, La Spinetta has also played a pivotal role in elevating Moscato d’Asti from a simple sweet wine to a world-class expression of the grape.
The Bricco Quaglia vineyard was the first single-vineyard Moscato in Italy, showcasing La Spinetta’s dedication to low yields, organic farming, and minimal intervention in winemaking to preserve purity and terroir expression.
Moscato d’Asti & the Piemonte Terroir
Piemonte, located in northwest Italy, is home to some of the world’s most celebrated wines, including Moscato d’Asti, Barolo, and Barbaresco. The Asti DOCG region is known for its rolling hills, limestone-rich soils, and cool climate, which provide the ideal conditions for growing Moscato Bianco—the grape variety behind Moscato d’Asti.
The region’s high-altitude vineyards help preserve acidity, ensuring that Moscato wines remain fresh, vibrant, and aromatic while maintaining their signature sweetness and low alcohol content (typically around 5–6% ABV).
