Martini Rossi Asti Spumante

Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante is a sweet sparkling wine in the Asti style. Wines under that name are traditionally built on Moscato Bianco, so expect a profile that leans on grape-driven aroma over yeasty complexity: orange blossom, ripe peach, apricot, white grape and a touch of sweet citrus. The bubbles in this category are usually soft and frothy, closer to a gentle fizz than the tight, persistent mousse of a Champagne-method wine. Expect a light body, little to no tannin and no oak influence. Acidity is moderate, enough to keep the sweetness from turning syrupy, and the finish tends to be short, clean and fruity. Alcohol in Asti-style wines typically runs low, but check the label for this bottle's exact figure. Because of that sweetness, it works best with foods that are either sweet themselves or salty and spiced enough to push back. Fruit tarts, panettone, almond biscotti, sponge cake with berries and lightly sweet custards are the obvious matches. It is also a good fit for brunch fare such as fresh fruit salad, crepes, or pastries with ricotta. For a savory contrast, try salty cured meats, aged hard cheeses, or mildly spicy dishes, where the residual sugar softens heat. Avoid pairing it with very dry or bitter dishes, which make a sweet wine taste flat. Serve it well chilled, around 40 to 45°F, which keeps the sweetness in check and the bubbles lively. A couple of hours in the refrigerator or about thirty minutes in an ice bucket will get it there. Do not decant, since that would only release the carbonation. A standard white wine glass or a tulip-shaped flute suits it better than a wide coupe, which lets aromas and fizz dissipate quickly. This is a drink-now bottle. Moscato-based sparkling wines are made for freshness and lose their floral character with time, so buy it for the near term, keep it cool and out of light, and finish the bottle within a day or so of opening, re-sealed with a sparkling wine stopper.