Bartenura Asti

Bartenura Asti is a lightly sparkling, semi-sweet Moscato d'Asti DOCG from Piedmont, Italy, bottled at 5% ABV in a 750ml blue glass bottle. Scored 87 points by Wine Enthusiast and recognized with Silver medals at both the San Francisco and Los Angeles International Wine Competitions, it has become one of the most widely recognized Kosher Italian wines on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Piedmont, Italy  |  Moscato d'Asti DOCG  |  Producer: Royal Wine Company (Bartenura label)

Production & Heritage

Bartenura wines are produced across select Italian locations under the direction of New Jersey-based Royal Wine Company, one of the largest Kosher wine producers in the United States. The Asti is made from 100% Moscato Bianco grapes grown in Piedmont's Moscato d'Asti DOCG zone and undergoes secondary fermentation using the Charmat-Martinotti method in pressurized stainless steel tanks, which preserves the grape's delicate aromatics while creating a gentle, fine effervescence. The wine is certified Kosher for Passover and mevushal, and its signature cobalt blue bottle — reportedly the first wine to use blue glass packaging — has made it instantly recognizable on shelves worldwide.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fragrant white blossoms and ripe peach lead the nose, followed by layers of melon and a subtle floral lift. There is a freshness to the aromatics that recalls spring orchards in full bloom.

Taste: The entry is soft and gently sweet, with juicy pear and tangerine arriving on the mid-palate. Lively citrus, crisp apple, and a faint mineral thread add structure as the wine opens up, balancing the natural residual sugar of the Moscato grape.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering nectar, melon, and a gingery spice note. A light herbal quality keeps the finish clean and refreshing rather than cloying.

How to Drink Bartenura Asti

Serve well-chilled between 40–45°F to keep the effervescence lively and the sweetness in check. This is a wine built for easy, unstructured drinking — no decanting or fuss required.

Bellini: The peach-forward profile makes it a natural stand-in for Prosecco in a classic Bellini with white peach purée. Spritz: Combine with a splash of Aperol or elderflower liqueur over ice for a low-ABV afternoon spritz. Moscato Sangria: Mix with fresh stone fruit, mint, and a touch of sparkling water for a crowd-friendly summer punch that stays light at 5% ABV.

Best For

• Hosting a Passover Seder or Shabbat dinner where certified Kosher wine is required
• Introducing someone who prefers sweeter drinks to the world of Italian sparkling wine
• Warm-weather brunch gatherings where a low-alcohol sparkler keeps the afternoon going
• Gifting to a Moscato lover — the distinctive blue bottle needs no wrapping

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bartenura Asti taste like? It is a semi-sweet, lightly sparkling wine with dominant flavors of ripe peach, pear, and tangerine, underscored by white floral notes and a clean, gently spiced finish. The low 5% ABV keeps it light and refreshing.

How does Bartenura Asti compare to Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti? Both are semi-sweet, lightly sparkling Moscato-based wines from Piedmont, and they compete directly in the accessible Italian sparkler category. Stella Rosa is often cited as offering slightly more flavor complexity and freshness, while Bartenura leans into pure fruit-forward simplicity and carries full Kosher certification including mevushal status.

Is Bartenura Asti good for beginners? Absolutely — its gentle sweetness, low alcohol, and approachable stone-fruit flavors make it one of the easiest entry points into Italian sparkling wine. There is no tannin or aggressive acidity to navigate.

Where is Bartenura Asti made? The grapes are grown in the Moscato d'Asti DOCG appellation in Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The wine is produced under the Bartenura label, which is managed by Royal Wine Company, headquartered in Bayonne, New Jersey.

What foods pair well with Bartenura Asti? Fresh fruit tarts and stone-fruit desserts mirror the wine's peach and pear notes. Mild, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or fresh ricotta complement its soft sweetness. Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes benefit from the residual sugar, which tempers heat. Almond biscotti and light pastries echo the floral Moscato character. Prosciutto-wrapped melon creates a sweet-savory contrast that works beautifully with the wine's effervescence.

What sizes does Bartenura Asti come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Bartenura Asti worth the price? It positions squarely as an entry-level Italian sparkling wine, and for the quality of the DOCG designation combined with full Kosher certification, it delivers solid value in its price tier — particularly for those seeking a certified Kosher option without compromising on authentic Italian provenance.

Why Bartenura Asti?

In a crowded field of sweet Italian sparklers, Bartenura Asti holds a unique position: it is one of very few Moscato d'Asti DOCG wines that carries both Kosher for Passover and mevushal certification without sacrificing the aromatic intensity the appellation is known for. The Charmat-method production preserves the Moscato Bianco grape's signature peach-blossom fragrance, resulting in an 87-point wine (Wine Enthusiast) that has earned Silver medals at two major international competitions. At just 5% ABV, it occupies a low-alcohol niche that increasingly appeals to drinkers seeking moderation, and its iconic blue bottle has turned a regional Italian wine style into a genuinely recognizable brand across global markets.