Moscato D’Asti

^{This post has been brought to you by Cascina Castlet and Marenco. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+. Please enjoy responsibly.}

Today we’re revisiting Italy with a look at two Moscato D’Asti wines from the region of Piedmont, which is famed for its sweet, sparkling white wines.

The two Moscato D’Asti wines we’re looking at today are a 2021 Cascina Castlet, and Marenco’s 2021 Scrapona. While both wines are very similar, the key lies in the subtle nuances that allows you distinguish and appreciate their differences.

Up first, we’ll provide you with a brief overview of the Moscato D’Asti region, with a look at what makes its wines so distinctive. From there, I’ll discuss the aromas, flavors, and textures of both of today’s wines, and offer up some pairings.

And just because I can’t help thinking of several of my favorite cocktails when talking about Moscato, we’ll end off on a medley of Moscato-based cocktail suggestions.

Now, without further introduction, let’s get started!

The Where – Piedmont, Italy

Moscato d’Asti DOCG and the Asti Spumante DOCG are two celebrated appellations nestled within the rolling hills of Piedmont. This area of northwest Italy is known for producing some of the world’s most renowned wines, and these two appellations are a perfect example of the region’s unique terroir and winemaking practices.

Moscato d’Asti is a semi-sparkling white wine made from the Moscato Bianco grape. It is light, sweet, and low in alcohol, with aromas of peach, apricot, and honey. Asti Spumante is a sparkling white wine that is also made from the Moscato Bianco grape, but it is typically sweeter and higher in alcohol than Moscato d’Asti.

The area’s terroir and local geography offer unique advantages to winemaking. The soils are a mix of clay, limestone, and sandstone, which help grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The mild climate and rolling hills create an ideal environment for growing grapes, while copious sea breezes serve to help the vines retain their acidity.

Overseeing the area is the Consorzio di Tutela dei Vini della DOCG di Asti. This consortium works to protect and promote the appellations of Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante. They are dedicated to ensuring that the wines produced in the region meet the highest standards of quality, and that the unique character of the region’s wines is preserved. This oversight has proven key to maintaining and furthering the quality of the area’s wines, which in turn is to the region’s success.

Taken together, these two appellations represent the very best of Piedmont’s winemaking traditions. With the area’s wines being characterized by a light sweetness, low alcohol content, and lush aromas, these wines are a great introduction to Italian sparkling wines.

The Bottles – A Showcase

Up first, we’ll be looking at the Marenco 2021 Scrapona Moscato D’Asti.

After that, we’ll be sampling the Cascina Castlet 2021 Moscato D'Asti.

Tasting and Aromatics – The Review

The Marenco 2021 Scrapona Moscato D’Asti is a delightful treat for the senses. Its light golden hue is complemented by its fragrant aroma of honeysuckle, apricot, and orange blossom. On the palate, you'll find a well-balanced blend of sweet and tart flavors, with notes of ripe peach, pineapple, and honey. The finish is incredibly smooth and refreshing, leaving you with a pleasant aftertaste of citrus and floral notes. Enjoy this delightful Moscato with a light dessert or on its own for a delightful treat.

Cascina Castlet 2021 Moscato D'Asti offers inviting aromas of fresh apricots, honeysuckle, and ripe peach. On the palate, it is sweet and light-bodied, with flavors of juicy nectarines and honey. Its balanced acidity and slight bubbles make it an excellent aperitif or dessert wine. Its low alcohol content and refreshing finish make it the perfect accompaniment for light summer dishes.

What to Eat – The Pairings

Both of these Moscato D'Asti wines would pair well with a variety of lighter dishes such as fruit salads, soft cheeses, grilled seafood, and grilled vegetables. It is also a great pairing for desserts such as fresh fruit tarts, crème brûlée, and panna cotta. Consider something along the lines of phyllo peach tartlets, topped with fresh whipped cream. You might also consider something like a bistro-style orange salad, combining sliced oranges tossed with cilantro, grilled jalapenos and honey, creating a medley of savory umami notes set against a sweet and spicy backdrop.

Cocktail Suggestions – Because Why Not?

1. Peach Bellini: A sweet and bubbly blend of Moscato and peach schnapps, topped with sparkling wine. To make, simply combine 1.5 ounces of Moscato with 1.5 ounces of peach schnapps and top with sparkling wine.
2. Moscato Spritzer: A refreshing, easy to love mix of Moscato, vodka, and Sprite. To prepare this cocktail, combine 2 ounces of Moscato with 1 ounce of vodka and 2 ounces of Sprite.
3. Lavender Lemonade: A refreshing and light combination of Moscato, vodka, lemonade, and lavender essence. To bring this elegant cocktail together, combine 1 ounce of Moscato, 1 ounce of vodka, 4 ounces of lemonade, and a few drops of lavender essence.
4. Moscato Sangria: A fruity and flavorful blend of Moscato, brandy, orange juice, pineapple juice, and triple sec, with a hint of citrus. Much like ‘regular’ sangria, this mix comes together with 1 bottle of Moscato with 1 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of pineapple juice, 1 cup of brandy, and 1/2 cup of triple sec. Add a handful of sliced oranges and lemons and chill.
5. White Wine Spritzer: You knew this one was coming. Easy to love, my favorite white wine spritzer is a light and crisp mix of Moscato, vodka, and club soda. To make this cocktail, combine 2 ounces of Moscato with 1 ounce of vodka and 2 ounces of club soda.
6. Moscato Martini: A sweet and tart combination of Moscato, vodka, triple sec, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. To prepare, combine 2 ounces of Moscato with 1 ounce of vodka, 1/2 ounce of triple sec, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

And that’s my review of these two Moscato D’Asti wines. If you enjoyed today’s review, be sure to like, share, and subscribe so that you never miss a post.

If you tried either of today’s wines, or any of the suggested pairings, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you. Cheers!

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