Asti

Question 1

Introduction of Asti.

Answer 1

• The sweet and fruity Muscat based Asti DOCG are made in significant volumes and continue to be hugely popular across the globe.
• There is a separate DOCG for a slightly sparkling wine called Moscato d’Asti (contains a very small amount of CO2, max pressure of 2 bar).

Question 2

Location of Asti.

Answer 2

• Delineated area within the region of Piemonte (Piedmont).
• Grapes can be sourced from the entire province (a subdivision of an Italian region) of Asti, and part of the adjoining provinces of Alessandra to the east and Cuneo to the West.

Question 3

Climate of Asti.

Answer 3

Warm continental with cold winters but hot summers.

Question 4

Explain the vineyard of Asti.

Answer 4

• All plantings must be on slopes.
• Soils composed of limestone, clay and chalk.
• Yields 10 tonnes/hectare.
• Grapes must have a minimum potential alcohol of 9% abv.

Question 5

Grapes of Asti.

Answer 5

Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc a petit grains)

Question 6

Winemaking of Asti.

Answer 6

• Asti wines can in theory be made sparkling in bottle but in reality usually made using a variation of the Tank method called the Asti method.
• A maximum juice yield is set, higher than in Champagne.

Question 7

Important trade structures of Asti.

Answer 7

Production is made up of thousands of small growers who generally sell their grapes to large companies or co-operatives.