Risata Moscato d'Asti

Risata Moscato d'Asti is a gently sparkling (frizzante) Italian white wine from the Asti DOCG in Piedmont, bottled at 5.5% ABV in a 750ml format. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition and a Double Gold with Best in Class at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Grand Tasting, establishing it as one of the most decorated Moscato d'Asti wines in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Asti DOCG, Piedmont, Italy  |  Style: Sweet Frizzante  |  Producer: Risata (Prestige Beverage Group)

Production & Heritage

Risata is produced under the Prestige Beverage Group label, sourcing 100% Moscato Bianco di Canelli — also known as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains — from vineyards rooted in the limestone and sandstone soils of Piedmont's Asti DOCG zone. The grapes are hand-harvested, then crushed and chilled to near-freezing temperatures in stainless steel vats. This cold fermentation locks in natural residual sugar while capturing carbon dioxide within the wine, producing the signature light effervescence without a secondary fermentation in bottle. By DOCG regulation, Moscato d'Asti is capped at 5.5% ABV, preserving the grape's intense aromatics and natural sweetness in a way that higher-alcohol sparkling wines cannot replicate.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe stone fruits — peach and apricot — arrive first, followed by bursts of tangerine zest and a thread of floral honey. Underneath, there is a subtle lemon blossom quality that lifts the entire bouquet.

Taste: The entry is immediately sweet and juicy, with concentrated stone fruit flavors dominating the front palate. At mid-palate, tart citrus notes emerge to counterbalance the sweetness, while a gentle mousse keeps the texture lively and prevents the wine from feeling heavy. A honeyed, almost melon-like ripeness builds toward the peak.

Finish: The finish is light and refreshing, trailing off with lingering floral and citrus impressions. It fades cleanly, leaving a pleasant sweetness that doesn't cloy.

How to Drink Risata Moscato

Serve well-chilled, between 40–45°F (4–7°C), in a tulip glass to concentrate the aromatics. This is a wine best enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or alongside food, rather than used as a cocktail base, given its low ABV and delicate effervescence. That said, it works beautifully in a White Sangria with fresh peaches and citrus slices, amplifying its natural fruit character. It also makes an excellent Moscato Spritz — topped with a splash of sparkling water and a sprig of mint for a lighter warm-weather drink. For a dessert-forward option, try it in an Italian Bellini variation, substituting it for Prosecco and adding white peach purée for a sweeter, lower-proof take on the classic.

Best For

• Introducing someone new to wine who prefers sweeter, lower-alcohol styles
• Brunch gatherings where a lighter sparkling option is needed alongside mimosas
• Pairing with a fruit-forward dessert course at a dinner party
• Warm-weather patio sipping as a refreshing afternoon pour

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Risata Moscato taste like? Risata Moscato d'Asti tastes sweet and fruit-forward, with dominant flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and tangerine balanced by floral honey and a lively, gently sparkling texture. It finishes clean and refreshing with no heavy residual sweetness.

How does Risata Moscato compare to Cupcake Moscato d'Asti? Both are sweet, frizzante-style Moscato d'Asti wines at similar ABV levels, but Risata has accumulated a stronger competition record, including Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and Double Gold at the Proof Awards in 2022. Cupcake tends to be slightly more widely distributed, while Risata is often regarded by consumers as having more pronounced stone fruit intensity.

Is Risata Moscato good for beginners? Risata Moscato d'Asti is an excellent entry point into wine, thanks to its natural sweetness, low 5.5% ABV, and approachable fruit-forward profile that appeals to palates not yet accustomed to dry or tannic wines.

Where is Risata Moscato made? Risata Moscato d'Asti is produced in the Asti DOCG zone of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, from Moscato Bianco di Canelli grapes grown in limestone and sandstone soils characteristic of the region.

What foods pair well with Risata Moscato? Fresh fruit tarts and peach cobbler complement the wine's stone fruit character. Soft, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or burrata echo its texture. Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes benefit from the wine's sweetness as a cooling contrast. Prosciutto-wrapped melon mirrors the combination of sweet and savory. Light almond biscotti make a classic Italian pairing alongside the floral, honeyed notes.

What sizes does Risata Moscato come in? Risata Moscato d'Asti is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Risata Moscato worth the price? Risata positions as a value-tier Moscato d'Asti that consistently punches above its weight in competition, earning Gold and Double Gold medals against pricier DOCG bottlings. For the category, it delivers strong quality relative to its accessible price point.

Why Risata Moscato?

What separates Risata from the crowded field of sweet sparkling wines is its adherence to authentic Asti DOCG production — cold-fermented Moscato Bianco di Canelli from Piedmont's prime limestone vineyards, bottled under pressure to capture natural carbonation. Its competition résumé, including a Double Gold and Best in Class from the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and a Gold Medal from the San Francisco International Wine Competition, validates the quality in the glass. At 5.5% ABV, it sits in a category where preserving varietal purity is the entire challenge, and Risata consistently delivers concentrated peach, citrus, and honey aromatics without tasting dilute or cloying. For anyone seeking a genuine Moscato d'Asti with proven credentials at a value price, this is a reliable benchmark.