Asti

Question 1

What are the two Asti AOPs?

Answer 1

• Asti DOCG
• Moscato d’Asti DOCG

Question 2

Describe Asti. (6)

Answer 2

• Most Low alcohol
• Medium acidity
• Most Sweet
• Made from Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains)
• Made via a modified tank method called the Asti method
• Pronounced flavours of orange blossom, grape, peach.

Question 3

What is Asti DOCG also known as?

Answer 3

Asti Spumante

Question 4

What are the differences between Asti vs Moscato d’Asti? ()

Answer 4

• Asti is typically higher in alcohol and fully sparkling
• Moscato d’Asti is lower in alcohol and semi-sparkling with higher residual sugar.

Question 5

What is the quality and price of Asti/Moscato d’Asti wines?

Answer 5

• Good - Very Good quality
• Inexpensive - Mid priced

Question 6

Where is Moscato Bianco for Asti grown?

Answer 6

3 provinces in Piedmont

• Asti
• Alexandria
• Cuneo

Question 7

Describe Moscato Bianco (4)

Answer 7

• Early budding/mid ripening
• Small berry
• Prone to mildew and botrytis / requires canopy management
• Thin skin and attractive to bees/wasps/flying ants due to scent

Question 8

Where is the most aromatic Moscato juice grown?

Answer 8

Limestone soils, but due to success it is also grown on clay.

Question 9

When does harvest take place? And what is the difference in harvest between Asit/Moscato d’Asti?

Answer 9

• Early-mid Sept, well before Oct rain.
• Asti picked slightly earlier to ensure high acidity, Moscato d’Asti slightly later to preserve aromatic intensity.

Question 10

Describe Asti winemaking

Answer 10

• May be whole bunch pressed (some believe higher quality) or destemmed.
• After pressing, must is clarified and chilled for storage (2-3C)
• Just before release, the juice goes through a single fermentation in tank.
• CO2 is released until the sugar levels left give will yield the desired pressure and then the valve is closed.
• Fermentation is stopped once desired sugar/pressure is obtained and the wine is chiltered and filtered under pressure.
• All sugar is in must and no dosage

Question 11

What is the rules around Asti DOCG?

Answer 11

• Traditionally 6-8% ABV (100g/L RS), but now open ended above 6 allowing dryer styles.
• Extra-dry - Dolce (ie 12g/L and above)
• Brut Nature being approved.

Question 12

What is Asti Metodo Classico?

Answer 12

• Spends 9 months on lees in bottle
• Dolce (50g/L+ RS)

Question 13

What are the rules around Moscato d’Asti DOCG?

Answer 13

• 4.5-6.5% ABV - around 130g/L RS
• <= 2.5 atmospheres - frizzante

Question 14

What is a factor that means Asti is made by large producers?

Answer 14

• Storing chilled wine is expensive, requires equipment and space