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What is Moscato wine? Moscato wine is the umbrella term for wines made from the Moscato Bianco grape, mainly originating from the Piedmontese provinces of Asti and Cuneo. The best known is Moscato d'Asti DOCG , a lightly sparkling (frizzante) wine with a low alcohol content (around 5%) and a natural sweetness preserved by stopping fermentation early. There is also Asti DOCG Spumante , the fully sparkling variant that can be seen as the festive "counterpart" to Moscato d'Asti. Both wines share the same grape and origin, but differ in carbonation level, production method and use.
Moscato wines: styles and production Although all Moscato wines share the same aromatic base, they vary considerably in fizziness, sweetness level and use. The overview below shows the main styles.
Style Fizz & sugar Character Best paired with Moscato d'Asti DOCG Lightly frizzante, sweet (~130 g/l) Fruity, aromatic, low alcohol (~5%) Aperitif, fruit, light desserts Asti DOCG Spumante Fully sparkling, sweet Floral, fresh, festive Parties, toasts, pastries Asti Secco DOCG Fully sparkling, dry to extra-dry Fresh, less sweet, aromatic Aperitif, savoury dishes Moscato d'Asti Canelli Lightly frizzante, sweet Refined, intensely floral (Canelli subzone) Fruit desserts, soft cheeses
Moscato d'Asti DOCG Moscato d'Asti is the most characteristic expression of the Moscato Bianco grape: a light, sweet and gently sparkling wine with just 4.5 to 6.5% alcohol. Thanks to the low fermentation temperature and early halting of fermentation, much of the grape's natural sugars and fresh, floral aroma are preserved. The result is a wine that tastes of fresh peach, grape and orange blossom, with a delicate fizz that keeps the sweetness in balance.
Asti DOCG Spumante Like Moscato d'Asti, Asti Spumante is made from the Moscato Bianco grape, but undergoes a higher level of carbonation, giving it a mousse comparable to champagne or cava. This wine is somewhat drier or just as sweet as Moscato d'Asti, depending on the style, and has a slightly higher alcohol content (around 7-9.5%). Asti Spumante is the festive choice par excellence for toasts, receptions and birthdays.
Asti Secco DOCG Asti Secco is the drier variant within the Asti DOCG appellation, introduced to meet the growing demand for less sweet sparkling wines. With a sugar content of just 0-17 g/l, this wine retains the characteristic floral Moscato aroma but has a much fresher, drier finish. This makes Asti Secco an excellent match for savoury dishes and a refreshing aperitif.
Moscato d'Asti Canelli Canelli is one of the oldest and most highly regarded subzones within the Moscato d'Asti area, located around the town of the same name in the province of Asti. The lime-rich hills and microclimate of Canelli give the Moscato grape an extra refined, intensely floral aroma. Wines from this subzone are often regarded as the most elegant expressions of Moscato d'Asti and, under strict conditions, may carry the "Canelli" designation on the label.
What is the difference between Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante? The main difference lies in the fizz and alcohol content. Moscato d'Asti is lightly frizzante (low carbonation) with a low alcohol content of around 5%, making the wine very light and easy to drink. Asti Spumante has full sparkle, comparable to other sparkling wines, and a slightly higher alcohol content of 7 to 9.5%. Both wines are made from the same Moscato Bianco grape and share a fruity, floral character, but Asti Spumante is the more festive, "champagne-like" variant, while Moscato d'Asti is seen more as a soft aperitif or dessert wine.
Serving Moscato wine: temperature and glassware Because Moscato wines owe their charm to freshness, fruit and (where present) fizz, the right serving temperature is essential.
Style Serving temperature Glassware Moscato d'Asti DOCG 6-8°C Tulip-shaped wine glass Asti DOCG Spumante 6-8°C Flute glass Asti Secco DOCG 6-8°C Flute glass Moscato d'Asti Canelli 6-8°C Tulip-shaped wine glass
What food pairs well with Moscato wine? Moscato's fruity sweetness and light fizz make it surprisingly versatile at the table.
Dish Why it works Fresh fruit salad or peach Enhances the wine's fruity aromas Panna cotta or crème brûlée The wine's sweetness balances creamy desserts Amaretti and almond biscuits A classic Piedmontese pairing Soft, mild cheeses Sweet and soft in balance, without overpowering the wine Aperitif bites (Asti Secco) The drier style is fresh enough for savoury bites
The winemaker on Moscato wine: "Moscato takes patience in the vat, but in return gives you a wine that brings immediate joy to the glass - fresh, fruity and always festive."
Buy Moscato wine at ONWINE At ONWINE you'll find a lovely selection of Moscato d'Asti, Asti Spumante and Asti Secco, sourced directly from Italian winemakers. Discover the range and order easily online, or visit our shop for personal advice. Visit our shop →
