Cinzano Asti

Cinzano Asti is a sweet Italian sparkling wine made from 100% Moscato Bianco grapes, bottled at 7% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced in the Asti DOCG zone of Piedmont, this Charmat-method sparkler earned a Gold medal at Mundus Vini and a Great Value designation from the Ultimate Beverage Challenge, reinforcing its reputation as one of the benchmark expressions in the Asti category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7%  |  Origin: Asti DOCG, Piedmont, Italy  |  Style: Sweet Sparkling (Spumante)  |  Producer: Cinzano (Gruppo Campari)

Production & Heritage

Cinzano traces its origins to 1757 in Turin, making it one of Italy's oldest vermouth and sparkling wine houses. Gruppo Campari acquired the brand in 1999 and continues production in the Canelli area, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its historic sparkling wine cellars. The Asti is produced using the Charmat method: Moscato Bianco grapes are crushed and the juice is stored at low temperature until needed, then warmed to initiate fermentation in pressurized stainless steel tanks. Carbon dioxide is allowed to escape until the alcohol reaches approximately 6%, at which point the tanks are sealed to retain CO2 and build the wine's characteristic effervescence. Fermentation halts around 7% ABV, preserving the grape's natural residual sugar and aromatic intensity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a distinctive, intense wave of acacia flowers and white blossoms before giving way to candied peach, ripe muscatel grapes, and a subtle honey note. The aromatic profile is seductive and fruit-forward, consistent with high-quality Moscato Bianco.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is refreshingly sweet with immediate impressions of ripe apricot and juicy grape. Mid-palate, candied orange peel and orange blossom emerge alongside a fine honeyed sweetness. The gentle acidity provides balance, preventing the wine from tipping into cloying territory and keeping the overall impression harmonious and lively.

Finish: The finish is long-lasting, gentle, and distinctly fruity, with lingering notes of stone fruit and muscatel grape. A subtle floral character rounds off the experience cleanly.

How to Drink Cinzano Asti

Serve well chilled between 6–8°C (43–46°F) in a flute or tulip glass to concentrate the aromatic bouquet. This sparkler shines as an aperitivo or dessert companion on its own, but its low alcohol and vivid fruit character also make it a versatile mixer. A Bellini works naturally here, as the peach notes in the wine amplify the white peach purée. An Asti Spritz — combining the wine with a splash of soda and a citrus twist — creates a lighter, lower-ABV alternative to a traditional Aperol Spritz. For a simple brunch serve, a Moscato Mimosa blended with fresh orange juice highlights the wine's candied orange peel character.

Best For

• Toasting at bridal showers, anniversaries, or celebratory brunches
• Pairing with dessert courses at dinner parties
• Introducing sparkling wine to guests who prefer sweeter, lower-alcohol styles
• Warm-weather aperitivo entertaining on a patio or terrace

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cinzano Asti taste like? Cinzano Asti is a sweet, fruity sparkling wine dominated by ripe peach, apricot, muscatel grape, and acacia flower flavors, balanced by gentle acidity and a honeyed undertone. The mousse is fine and persistent, with a long, fruit-driven finish.

How does Cinzano Asti compare to Martini & Rossi Asti? Both are Asti DOCG sparklers made from 100% Moscato Bianco using the Charmat method, and both are now owned by Gruppo Campari. Cinzano tends to emphasize floral and honeyed notes slightly more prominently, while Martini & Rossi Asti is often described as leaning toward fresh citrus and green apple alongside its stone fruit character.

Is Cinzano Asti good for beginners? Its approachable sweetness, low 7% ABV, and fruit-forward aromatics make it one of the most accessible sparkling wines available. It requires no acquired taste for dry or tannic styles, making it an excellent starting point for anyone new to sparkling wine.

Where is Cinzano Asti made? Cinzano Asti is produced in the Canelli area of the Asti DOCG zone in Piedmont, northwestern Italy. Canelli is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized specifically for its underground sparkling wine cellars and long winemaking tradition.

What foods pair well with Cinzano Asti? Fresh fruit tarts and peach cobbler mirror the wine's dominant stone fruit notes. Soft, creamy cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta complement its honeyed sweetness. Almond biscotti and panettone echo the floral aromatics. Lightly spiced Asian dishes, such as Thai mango salad, benefit from the wine's residual sugar tempering the heat.

What sizes does Cinzano Asti come in? Cinzano Asti is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle, though 200ml single-serve and 1.5L magnum formats have also appeared in select markets.

Is Cinzano Asti worth the price? Cinzano Asti positions firmly in the value tier of sparkling wine, and its Great Value designation from the Ultimate Beverage Challenge confirms strong quality relative to its price point. For a DOCG-certified sparkler with genuine aromatic complexity, it consistently over-delivers against similarly priced competitors.

Why Cinzano Asti?

What distinguishes this bottling is the controlled temperature management during production — storing juice cold until needed, then selectively retaining CO2 only after initial fermentation — which preserves the fragile floral and fruit aromatics of Moscato Bianco more effectively than continuous fermentation approaches. A Mundus Vini Gold medal and 85 points from Wine Enthusiast validate the results. Cinzano's 260-plus years of sparkling wine heritage in the Canelli heartland of Asti DOCG lend genuine provenance, while the 7% ABV keeps the drinking experience light and versatile. In a category crowded with generic sweet sparklers, this is a benchmark Asti backed by verifiable credentials.