Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti

Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti is a semi-sparkling (frizzante) Italian white wine from Piedmont's Asti region, bottled at 5.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 93 points and a Gold Medal at the Monterey Wine Competition, this expression delivers genuinely fresh fruit character at a gentle alcohol level that distinguishes it from most sparkling wines on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Asti, Piedmont, Italy  |  Style: Semi-Sparkling Sweet White (DOCG)  |  Producer: Riboli Family / San Antonio Winery (vinified by Cantine Capetta, Italy)

Production & Heritage

Stella Rosa is a brand of the Riboli Family's San Antonio Winery, one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Los Angeles. The Moscato d'Asti itself is vinified in Italy by Cantine Capetta (I.V.A.S.S. SpA), a long-established producer in Piedmont's Asti zone. Made from 100% Muscat Canelli grapes, the wine undergoes Charmat-style fermentation in pressurized tanks, where both the alcohol and natural carbonation develop simultaneously — no secondary fermentation or forced carbonation is involved. After harvest, the grapes are pressed and the juice is centrifuged, then held cold at approximately 28°F. The Riboli family ferments the juice at staggered intervals throughout the year, a deliberate strategy to keep every bottling as fresh and delicate as possible rather than aging in bulk.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe pear and fresh apple lead the nose, followed by layers of white peach and soft apricot. Subtle floral undertones — think orange blossom — emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is smooth and gently sweet, with juicy peach and honeyed apricot front and center. At mid-palate, citrus notes of grapefruit and lemon cut through the sweetness, joined by a whisper of ginger. The mousse is light and creamy, with fine, persistent bubbles that keep the texture lively without becoming aggressive.

Finish: Short to medium in length with a clean, honeyed fade and lingering pear skin. The low alcohol and balanced residual sugar leave a refreshing impression rather than a cloying one.

How to Drink Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti

Serve well chilled, ideally between 38–42°F, in a tulip or white wine glass to concentrate the delicate aromatics. This is a wine that shines on its own without additions. For cocktail-curious drinkers, it works beautifully in a Moscato Spritz — substituting it for Prosecco adds a rounder, sweeter body. A Peach Bellini made with this Moscato d'Asti amplifies the stone fruit character already present in the wine. It also serves as an excellent base for a White Sangria, where its natural sweetness means less added sugar and the gentle bubbles provide texture.

Best For

• Introducing someone to sparkling wine who prefers sweeter styles
• Warm-weather patio sipping as a low-alcohol afternoon wine
• Pairing with brunch courses like fruit tarts or crêpes
• Gifting to fans of Moscato who want an authentic Italian DOCG expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti taste like? It leads with ripe peach, pear, and honeyed apricot, balanced by light citrus and ginger notes. The bubbles are gentle and the overall impression is sweet, fresh, and easy-drinking at just 5.5% ABV.

How does Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti compare to Risata Moscato d'Asti? Both are sweet, semi-sparkling Moscato d'Asti wines from Piedmont, but Risata tends toward a more concentrated, fuller flavor profile. Stella Rosa leans lighter and more delicate, with a smoother, more restrained mousse.

Is Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti good for beginners? Its low alcohol, natural sweetness, and approachable fruit-forward character make it one of the most beginner-friendly sparkling wines available. The gentle effervescence is less intense than Champagne or Prosecco, which many new wine drinkers appreciate.

Where is Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti made? The wine is produced in the Asti zone of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, by Cantine Capetta (I.V.A.S.S. SpA) for the Riboli Family's San Antonio Winery brand. Piedmont's Asti DOCG is the historic home of Moscato d'Asti production.

What foods pair well with Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti? Fresh fruit salads and stone fruit desserts complement the wine's peach and pear notes. Lemon tart or crème brûlée echo its citrus and honey undertones. Mild, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or burrata match its delicate texture. Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes benefit from the wine's sweetness and low alcohol, which temper heat. Light pastries such as almond biscotti or cannoli also pair naturally.

What sizes does Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti worth the price? Positioned as an entry-level Moscato d'Asti, it delivers genuine DOCG-quality Italian sparkling wine at an accessible price tier. With multiple gold medals — including 93 points from the Monterey Wine Competition and 91 points from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition — it punches above its weight for value-oriented sweet sparkling wine.

Why Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti?

What separates this bottling from mass-market sweet sparklers is the Charmat-method natural carbonation and the staggered fermentation schedule designed to prioritize freshness in every release. The 93-point, Gold Medal result at the Monterey Wine Competition and additional gold medals from the Los Angeles International Wine Competition and the International Women's Wine Competition confirm that the quality is consistent and recognized. At 5.5% ABV, it occupies a niche that few competitors match — authentically Italian, genuinely effervescent, and low enough in alcohol for extended, relaxed drinking. For anyone seeking a Moscato d'Asti backed by verified critical recognition and made with a transparent, freshness-first production philosophy, this remains one of the most reliable options in the category.