Asti Area

Question 1

What is Grignolino d’Asti

Answer 1

Rosso only DOC based on a min 90% Grignolino.

Grignolino is high in acidity and tannin; light in body and color (usually with an orange or garnet tinge)

Question 2

What is Asti?

Answer 2

Sparkling DOCG made from Moscato Bianco and largest production DOCG in all of Italy. Asti is usually made in Charmat method, but can be ‘Metodo Classico’ (9mo.s lees)

Of higher quality is Moscato d’Asti and Moscato d’Asti ‘Vendemmia Tardiva’ which is set at a max of 2 BARs.

Question 3

What is Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco

Answer 3

Rosso and Rosso Spumante DOC based on a couple subvarieties of Malvasia Nera:
Malvasia Nera Lunga
Malvasia di Schierano

Question 4

What is Dolcetto d’Asti

Answer 4

100% Dolcetto DOC available in Rosso and Rosso Superiore versions

Question 5

What is Acqui

Answer 5

aka Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG. Available in Rosso (max 2 BARs), Rosso Spumante, and Rosso Passito (min 50g/L RS). Passito and still versions are very rare.

Question 6

What is Barbera d’Asti

Answer 6

One of only 3 Barbera based DOCGs (Also Barbera del Monferrato Superiore and Nizza). Comes in Rosso, Rosso Superiore and con indicazione della sottozona.

Two sub zones are Tinella and Colli Astiani

Question 7

What is Casorzo

Answer 7

aka What is Malvasia di Casorzo d’Asti DOC.

Based on a subvariety of Malvasia Nera. Available in Cerasuolo, Rosso, Spumante and Passito versions.

Question 8

What is Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato

Answer 8

Aromatic, red DOCG made from a minimum 90% Ruchè which is a native varietal thought to be more resistant to disease.

Question 9

What is Freisa d’Asti

Answer 9

DOC based on the Freisa grape and available in Rosso, Rosso Superiore, Spumante and Frizzante versions.

Freisa is a close relative of Nebbiolo and high in tannin and acid.