Vietti Moscato D'Asti

Moscato d'Asti is a lightly sparkling, sweet white wine made from Moscato Bianco, and the name points to a gentle, low-pressure style rather than a fully sparkling one. Bottles in this style usually have a soft, fine fizz (frizzante) that feels more like a tickle than a mousse. Alcohol is typically low, often around 5 to 6 percent, and the sweetness is balanced by the grape's natural acidity. The producer's own ABV and vintage aren't stated here, so check the label for those details. Expect a very aromatic wine. Moscato Bianco usually shows ripe peach, apricot, orange blossom, and a grapey, almost fresh-picked muscat character, with a hint of honeysuckle or sweet citrus peel. The body is light, tannin is effectively absent, and oak plays no part, since these wines are made to keep their fruit and floral lift. The finish is usually short to medium, clean, and slightly sweet, with enough acidity to keep it from feeling heavy. The sweetness and low alcohol make this a good match for fruit-based desserts such as peach tart, poached pears, or a fresh berry pavlova. It also works with lightly sweet pastries like almond biscotti or panettone. For a savory pairing, try it with salty, rich foods. A mild blue cheese, prosciutto with melon, or spicy Thai and Sichuan dishes all benefit from the wine's sweetness and cooling fizz. It also suits brunch dishes such as fruit salad, crepes, and lemon ricotta pancakes. Serve it well chilled, around 41 to 46°F (5 to 8°C), which keeps the sweetness fresh and the bubbles lively. Do not decant, because that would flatten the delicate fizz. A small white wine glass or a tulip-shaped flute concentrates the aromas better than a wide coupe. This is a drink-now wine. Moscato's appeal is its freshness and perfume, which fade with age, so open it within a year or two of the vintage and finish the bottle within a day or two of opening.