Old dogs can learn new tricks.
In another life, prior to the quarantine… we were discussing hosting a sweet Italian wine tasting. One of the wines I wanted to showcase was Moscato. Moscato is a slightly sparkling (frizzante) white wine made from the Moscato Bianco grape. One of the reasons I wanted to feature this wine, is because I do not drink Moscato. Seemed like a good enough reason.
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| 2022 Pitulè, Moscato d’Asti DOCG |
Recently, I was tempted by the invitation to review a sample of a Moscato d’Asti DOCG. Moscato? My wine writing had been winding down prior to the pandemic, post pandemic I have become recalcitrant, reluctant, less eager to write. After some thought, "Do I still want to write about wine?" I bit. Yes, please send a sample for review. So happy I did.
FYI: Moscato/Muscat grapes are regarded as the oldest grape variety still in production. Because people enjoy sweet. Me too.
The sample wine I received: 2022 Tenuta Neirano, Pitulè, Moscato d’Asti DOCG, 100% Moscato d’Asti. Company: Tenute Neirano - Te.Ne. S.P.A. Fraz. Casalotto, Via Zerbasso, 5, 14046 Mombaruzzo AT.
This is my first Moscato d'Asti DOCG review. I was honestly impressed. And now I want more.
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| Golden Moscato d'Asti DOCG. |
Sensory:
Beautiful gold color. White flower, peach, nectarine, almost creamy, perfectly balanced acid and sugar, just sweet enough with minerality and a pleasant fizz and tingle below the ears. Medium plus intensity, medium plus sweet, medium finish with apricot/peach puree, ABV 5.5% Moscato D'Asti DOCG.
Note: Moscato d’Asti is slight different from Moscato. Moscato tends to be sweeter than Moscato d’Asti. Service temperature for Moscato d’Asti is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can pull this bottle from the refrigerator and leave it on the table. It will gently warm a little, but no worries, the bottle will empty quickly with like minded souls. No worries.
Winemaking:
Moscato d’Asti is made in the cool Piedmont region of NW Italy. Soft pressing, immediate clarification of the must, filtration and cold storage. One of the regulations for this wine is that it can only be vinified to 5.5% ABV. So, yes, it is quite easy to drink an entire bottle.
While this is a classic wine to pair with desserts, fresh fruit, small cakes and pastries, I decided to pair this wine with something savory, spicy and salty. A truly versatile wine.
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| A delicious lunch. |
Food Pairings:
The first pairing I tried was with a lunch of grilled ribeye, spicy caramelized onion cooked with chili crunch, hash browns, an egg sunny side up, Feta cheese and micro greens. Yum. This is now how I want to eat breakfast, brunch and lunch. Not every day, but I would not mind once a week. This Moscato d'Asti does not drink heavily sweet, plus it has a lot of acid to balance out the wine. There is also enough complexity to hold my interest, and with food it was a marvelous companion. Wow! I like this wine.
The second pairing was with sliced cheese, a garlic cheddar, Manchego and a green olive. This wine is made for salty and savory cheese. The bottle did not make it past this pairing. That was good!
I have not been a Moscato drinker. This wine has changed my opinion. I am now a big fan. Savory food was perfectly matched by this wine. Salty, spicy, savory against sweet and acid. Delicious. So easy to drink.
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| Wonderful Moscato d'Asti. Strongly Recommend! |
In my mind I am beginning to think of Moscato d'Asti as a wonderful companion, similar to enjoying marmalade on toast with a rich savory meal. Or like Membrillo (quince paste) on a cheese plate. It is that contrast it provides, as well as a refreshing zip from the acidity, a gentle fizz and those, oh so delicious flavors. Strongly Recommended!
Celebrate National Wine Day with Moscato d’Asti DOCG on May 25th.
Cheers!