10. Asti Flashcards
What grape variety is mainly used for the Asti and Moscato d’Asti DOCGs?
Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains)
In which three provinces are the Asti and Moscato d’Asti DOCGs?
1) Asti
2) Alessandria
3) Cuneo
What is Asti DOCG also known as?
Asti Spumante.
Compared with Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Asti DOCG wines are typically… (3)
1) Higher in alcohol
2) Fully sparkling
3) Lower r/s
What is the climate of Asti DOCG?
Moderate continental
What are the rainiest seasons in Asti DOCG?
Spring and autumn
What is the maximum yield for Asti DOCG tank method wines?
75 hL/ha
Regulations stipulate grapes for Asti DOCG are grown where and why?
1) On hillside sites.
2) Better sunlight and drainage
What soils are vines commonly planted on in Asti DOCG?
Limestone and clay
When does Moscato Bianco bud?
Early
When does Moscato Bianco ripen?
Mid-ripening
Moscato Bianco is prone to which two disease pressures?
1) Botrytis
2) Powdery mildew
Moscato Bianco is also prone to which threats?
Bees, wasps, flying ants and mites.
What training method is typical for Moscato Bianco?
Guyot/replacement cane with VSP
Which is picked early and why: Asti or Moscato d’Asti?
1) Asti.
2) To ensure high acidity compared with the high aromatic intensity desired for Moscato d’Asti.
How is fruit harvested?
Hand or machine.
Asti and Moscato d’Asti takes place in two separate phases. Explain phase one (4).
1) Production of must
2) Clarification
3) Filtration
4) Chilling and storage
Asti and Moscato d’Asti takes place in two separate production phases. Explain phase two.
Must is refrigerated and warmed for fermented on demand.
Once clarified and chilled, how long can grape must be kept without losing freshness?
Up to two years.
What are five cap-ex costs associated with the producton of Asti?
1) Presses
2) Flotation tanks
3) Filtration/centrifuge equipment
4) Heat exchangers
5) Refrigeration/storage
What is an op-ex cost associated with the two phase production process?
Ongoing energy costs associated with power requirements for chilled storage.
Is MLC encouraged or blocked?
Blocked.
How is residual sugar achieved in the final wine?
Stopping fermentation before dryness.
How is CO2 achieved in the final wine?
Through the fermentation in pressure-resistant, temperature-controlled tanks of sugar in the original must.
Explain the four steps of the Asti method of fermentation.
1) CO2 is released through a valve at the start of fermentation.
2) Once the amount of sugar required to give the desired pressure (spumate/frizzante) and leave the desired r/s is reached the valve is closed.
3) CO2 pressure is retained until the desired level of CO2 and r/s is achieved.
4) Fermentation is stopped by rapidly chilling and filtering the wine under pressure.
What is the minimum alcohol of an Asti DOCG wine?
6%
What is the sweetness range for Asti DOCG?
Pas Dose (Brut Nature) to Dolce (sweet).
How long must Asti Metodo Classico spend on lees?
Nine months.
What is the sweetness range for Asti Metodo Classico?
Pas Dose (Brut Nature) to Dolce (sweet).
What is the alcohol range of Moscato d’Asti DOCG wine?
4.5-6.5%
What is the maximum pressure of Moscato d’Asti DOCG wine?
2.5 atmospheres aka frizzante.
What are three consequences of the high costs of production associated with Asti and Moscato d’Asti?
1) A few large companies dominate the market.
2) Premium producers may use off-site production facilities.
3) Co-operatives provide chilled, clarified and filtered juice to larger producers for fermentation.
What are the three types of Asti that the Asti DOCG consorzio promotes?
1) Asti Secco
2) Moscato d’Asti
3) Asti
What has the introduction of Asti Secco allowed for?
The region to compete in the popular off-dry sector with the likes of Prosecco.
What is the production split between Asti and Moscato d’Asti?
59/41%
What are the top three export markets for Asti?
1) Russia
2) USA
3) UK
Why did Asti production triple between 2009-2020?
Due to demand in the USA.
Why is Guyot the preferred system of training?
In combination with the low fertility soils and moderate rainfall the vine does not overcrop.
