Martini & Rossi Moscato d'Asti

Martini & Rossi Moscato d'Asti is a lightly sparkling, semi-sweet Italian wine from Piedmont's Asti DOCG at 7.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. This expression earned 92 points from Wine Spectator and Gold medals at both the Critics Challenge Wine Competition and the International Wine Challenge, placing it among the most critically recognized Moscato d'Asti bottlings on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7.5%  |  Origin: Asti DOCG, Piedmont, Italy  |  100% Moscato Bianco  |  Producer: Martini & Rossi

Production & Heritage

Martini & Rossi, one of Italy's most historic wine and vermouth houses, has operated out of Piedmont since 1863. The Moscato d'Asti is produced entirely from Moscato Bianco grapes — also classified as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains — sourced within the Asti DOCG zone. Vinification follows the Charmat (tank) method in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, but what distinguishes this wine from conventional sparkling production is the deliberate interruption of fermentation: the tanks are chilled before all sugar converts to alcohol, preserving the grape's natural sweetness and delicate aromatics. This single-fermentation approach, without secondary fermentation in the bottle or tank, keeps the ABV low and the mousse gentle — a hallmark of authentic Moscato d'Asti as opposed to fully sparkling Asti Spumante.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe white peach and apricot, layered with fresh pear and a subtle vine-peach sweetness. Behind the stone fruit sits a lift of wild sage and a faint bergamot-like citrus note that keeps the bouquet from reading as purely sweet.

Taste: The entry is soft and immediately fruit-forward — peach and apricot dominate, wrapped in a fine, creamy mousse. Mid-palate, pineapple and honeysuckle emerge alongside a gentle orange blossom character. The residual sugar is balanced by bright acidity, with freshly squeezed lemon preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying.

Finish: Medium-short, clean, and mineral-tinged with a soothing sweetness that fades into melon and a whisper of sage. The fine bubbles dissipate quickly, leaving a refreshing, fruity impression rather than a heavy sugar coating.

How to Drink Moscato d'Asti

Serve well chilled — between 40–45°F (4–7°C) — in a tulip glass or white wine glass to capture the aromatic complexity. The low alcohol and gentle effervescence make it excellent on its own as an aperitif or dessert companion. For a Moscato Spritz, combine with a splash of soda water and a lemon twist for a lighter alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. A Bellini variation works beautifully here — the natural peach character of the wine mirrors the cocktail's traditional peach purée without added sweetness. For a White Sangria, the stone fruit and floral notes integrate seamlessly with fresh seasonal fruit and a measure of elderflower liqueur.

Best For

• Brunch entertaining where guests prefer lower-alcohol sparkling options
• Pairing with fruit-based desserts such as peach tart, panna cotta, or almond biscotti
• Introducing wine newcomers to Italian sparkling styles without overwhelming tannin or dryness
• Warm-weather patio sipping as a chilled, aromatic refresher

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Moscato d'Asti taste like? Martini & Rossi Moscato d'Asti is semi-sweet with pronounced peach, apricot, and pear flavors supported by a fine, delicate mousse and balancing citrus acidity. Floral hints of orange blossom and honeysuckle add complexity beyond simple sweetness.

How does Moscato d'Asti compare to Gancia Asti Spumante? Gancia Asti Spumante is a fully sparkling wine (spumante) with higher pressure and slightly higher alcohol, while Martini & Rossi Moscato d'Asti is classified as frizzante — gently sparkling — at just 7.5% ABV with more restrained effervescence and a softer, more aromatic profile. Both are produced in Piedmont's Asti zone from Moscato Bianco grapes, but the Moscato d'Asti style tends to be more delicately fruity and lower in alcohol.

Is Moscato d'Asti good for beginners? Yes — the approachable sweetness, low 7.5% ABV, and gentle bubbles make it one of the most accessible Italian wines for people new to sparkling wine or wine in general.

Where is Moscato d'Asti made? It is produced by Martini & Rossi in the Asti DOCG zone of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The Asti DOCG is Italy's official designation guaranteeing the wine meets strict production standards for grapes grown in this specific region.

What foods pair well with Moscato d'Asti? Fresh stone fruits like peaches and nectarines echo the wine's natural flavors. Almond-based pastries and biscotti complement the floral aromatics. Soft, creamy cheeses such as mascarpone or mild ricotta match the wine's gentle texture. Lightly spiced Asian dishes — particularly Thai coconut curries — benefit from the residual sweetness as a counterpoint to heat. Fruit tarts and panna cotta make classic Italian dessert pairings.

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

Is Moscato d'Asti worth the price? Martini & Rossi Moscato d'Asti positions as an accessible, value-tier expression within the Moscato d'Asti DOCG category, delivering a 92-point Wine Spectator rating at a price point well below most comparably scored Italian sparkling wines.

Why Moscato d'Asti?

A 92-point Wine Spectator score alongside Gold medals from both the Critics Challenge Wine Competition and the International Wine Challenge is a rare combination for a wine at this price tier. The interrupted-fermentation technique — cooling the must before all sugar converts — preserves aromatic intensity that fully fermented sparkling wines simply cannot replicate. Martini & Rossi's 160-plus years of Piedmontese winemaking heritage lends credibility that many newer Moscato producers lack. For anyone seeking a genuinely well-made, critically validated Moscato d'Asti rather than a mass-market sweet sparkler, this bottling consistently delivers above its weight class.