D4.C11. Asti Flashcards
What are Asti DOCG and Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
They are are sparkling, low alcohol wines made from Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains)
Where are the grapes for the production of Asti DOCG and Moscato d’Asti DOCG grown?
They are grown in a single delimited area within three provinces of Piemonte: Asti, Alessandria and Cuneo
Which method is used for the production of Asti DOCG and Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
Vast majority by Asti method, a variation of tank method
Tasting notes for a typical Asti DOCG
- Pronounced aromas and flavours of orange blossom, grapes and peach
- Medium acidity
- Low alcohol and sweet
What are the differences between Asti DOCG and and Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
- Asti DOCG (also known as Asti Spumante) is typically slightly higher in alcohol and fully sparkling
- Moscato d’Asti DOCG is lower in alcohol, is semi-sparkling and typically has higher residual sugar than Asti DOCG
What is the quality/price range for Asti DOCG and and Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
- Good to very good quality
- Inexpensive or mid-priced
How is the climate in the area covered by the Asti DOCG?
- Moderate continental with cold winters and hot, dry summers, with adequate rainfall
Where should the grapes for Asti DOCG and and Moscato d’Asti DOCG be grown?
The regulations require the grapes to be grown on hillside sites with a preference for limestone and clay soils
What is the maximum yield for Asti DOCG and and Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
75 hL/ha
What re the viticultural properties of Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains)
- Aaromatic, early budding
- Mid-ripening
- Small berry size
- Prone to powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot
- Needs careful canopy management to avoid shade and enhance air circulation
- Due to its thin skin and, due to its scent, is attractive to bees, wasps and flying ants
- Susceptible to mites
What is the preferred training system for Moscato Bianco?
- Guyot system with VSP
What is the advantages of Guyot training for Moscato Bianco?
Good exposure to sunlight, avoiding excessive humidity, reducing risk of fungal disease
What should the producers be careful about in hot years in Asti DOCG?
They should be careful not to remove too many leaves to avoid sunburn to the fruit
Which type of soil produces most aromatic juice from Moscato Bianco?
Limestone but, due to its commercial success, vines have also been planted on clay
How is the harvest date is decided for Asti DOCG and Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
By ripeness of the fruit with desired acidity
What is the harvest date for Asti DOCG and Moscato d’Asti DOCG?
Early to mid-September, well before the October rains