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Put These Almost-Magical Italian Wines On Your Radar

Sophisticated and seductive, Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti are superbly suited for Asian weather and pair beautifully with Asian cuisine 

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Ching Dee

<p>In the Philippines, the weather is so unpredictable, but one thing is for sure: the heat and humidity remains whether it’s summertime or the rainy season. And one of the best ways to stay fresh throughout the year in this tropical heat is to have a refreshing drink. Sparkling wines are fantastic for our weather. Day or night, brunch or lunch or dinner, there’s nothing like a cold fizzy drink to keep the party going.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/7a5492bb-d5a6-40f8-b3aa-b14771fed2eb_astidocg_philippines.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Asti Spumante and Moscato d&#x27;Asti are the perfect wines for tropical weather! <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> A  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>Piedmont in Italy is home to centuries of winemaking expertise. Converging with its unique terroir to create a captivating range of bubbling delights, Piedmont&#x27;s sparkling offerings have been gaining well-deserved attention, even among Filipino wine enthusiasts. As tropical weather and robust Asian flavors dominate the culinary landscape in the Philippines, sparkling wines find their perfect place, offering a refreshing and harmonious pairing that complements the vibrant local cuisine, reaffirms the undeniable allure of Piedmontese sparkling wines, and shows why it has become a splendid choice for discerning Filipino palates.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>A sparkling journey through Piedmont</strong></div><p>Nestled in the picturesque region of Piedmont, Italy, the history of wine-making finds its roots in the fertile soil of this land — its terroir. A land known for its great red wines and sparkling wonders, Piedmont has been a vital hub for oenological excellence. The Italian oenological journey began here, spurred on by exchanges with France, a nation at the forefront of modern wine experimentation and trade since the 19th century.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/720cfadf-faf3-421b-93b5-5f8db23ea741_asti docg landscape.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The stunning, UNESCO-recognized vineyards in Piedmont.</span></span></span></div><p>In 1865, it was in Asti that the first Italian sparkling wine — the renowned Asti Spumante — was born. This wine is the brainchild of Carlo Gancia, marking a significant milestone in Italian viticulture, but the innovation didn&#x27;t stop there. The modern sparkling wine method known as the autoclave was invented in Canelli, thanks to Federico Martinotti, leading to a new era of wine production. The growth of this industry was further propelled by the very first Italian wine congress held in Turin in 1875.</p><div><br/></div><p>Fast-forward to 1932, Asti took the lead again by forming the first organized group of wine producers, known as the <em>Consorzio</em>, showcasing the region&#x27;s commitment to quality and unity. Today, Piedmont boasts a staggering 17 out of the 74 Italian DOCG (<em>Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita</em>) appellations, cementing its reputation as a haven for exceptional wines.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e3f0289c-8449-429d-9b23-b8616e6f7862_1.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Italian wines are evocative, tantalizing, romantic. </span></span></span></div><div><strong>Pop the cork: Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti</strong></div><p>The <strong>Asti Spumante DOCG</strong>, a true gem of the region, embodies the rich collaboration between vineyard cultivation, agribusiness, and industry. A shimmering example of Piedmontese excellence, this sparkling wine greets the eye with a subtle amber hue. Its tiny and persistent bubbles carry sweet intensity, filling the senses with an aroma and flavor. Floral fragrances alongside notes of sweet fruit, reveal a sublime combination of Acacia, Wisteria, Orange, Bergamot, Sage, and Lemon undertones. The varied aromas owe their uniqueness to the vineyards&#x27; diverse locations, soil composition, and microclimate.</p><div><br/></div><p>Meanwhile, as a tribute to tradition, <strong>Moscato d’Asti DOCG</strong> captures hearts with its inimitable aroma, natural sweetness, and balanced demeanor. A gentle sparkling masterpiece, it undergoes a long, cool, and natural fermentation to preserve its delicate fruit aromas. With a bouquet rich and intense, it exudes notes reminiscent of Acacia flowers, Wisteria, Orange, mountain honey, and a touch of spice. Elderberry, Yarrow, and Bergamot flowers also grace its profile, creating a harmony of notes that resonates with connoisseurs.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/08da56d5-2161-4b4b-9057-ab6987f3dfc7_1 banner.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">These wines are versatile, friendly, easy to pair with a variety of Asian dishes. </span></span></span></div><div><strong>Savoring the moment: perfect food pairings</strong></div><p>These splendid wines have more to offer than meets the eye – they&#x27;re versatile companions at the dining table too. Often associated with desserts, these wines surprise with their compatibility across various flavors, according to wines &amp; spirits expert Kévin Charuel of The Tasting Club.</p><div><br/></div><p>Asti Spumante&#x27;s low alcohol content of around 8% and natural sugars derived solely from the Moscato Bianco grape make it an easy-going delight. Beyond desserts, it shines in surprising pairings. From cheese to raw fish, Asian delicacies to spicy cuisine, and even oysters, this sparkling marvel proves its versatility in every sip.</p><div><br/></div><p>Moscato d’Asti&#x27;s allure lies in its sweetness, aromatic prowess, and low alcohol content. Its bouquet marries well with a range of flavors. Enjoy it with spicy dishes like Indian curries or our beloved Bicol Express or pair it with blue cheeses like Roquefort and Fourme d’Ambert. For dessert lovers, fruity and creamy treats like fruit tarts (except ones with strong lemon or orange flavors) and Basque burnt cheesecake work exceptionally well with Moscato d’Asti.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/89f2ce73-ef42-45db-bcc9-e4438e17173e_donna_donna.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Pop the cork, come savor the Asti vibe. </span></span></span></div><p>In the heart of Asti&#x27;s vineyards, the Asti Vibe emanates – a call to immerse oneself in the vibrancy, traditions, and uniqueness of the region. Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti excels with its elegance and character, inviting us to celebrate life&#x27;s moments with a touch of Italian sophistication. These wines are more than beverages; they&#x27;re an experience, a journey into the essence of Asti.</p><div><br/></div><p>As you raise your glass, remember that the Asti Vibe is more than just a tagline – it&#x27;s an invitation to let the spirit of Asti infuse every celebration, holiday, and gathering. Let the bubbles of Asti Spumante and the aromatic symphony of Moscato d’Asti carry you to the heart of Italy, where every sip is a testament to the land&#x27;s heritage and the joy it brings.</p><div><br/></div><p>So, whether you&#x27;re sharing laughs with loved ones or toasting to personal victories, let the Asti Vibe guide your journey – a journey that combines tradition, liveliness, and the effervescent charm of these remarkable wines.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/features/review-ramen-ron-x-modan-pop-up/36150" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">When Traditional Ramen Meets Progressive Japanese </a></div><em>Discover more about Asti DOCG and its producers at  <a href="https://www.astidocg.it/en/" target="_blank">www.astidocg.it/en/ </a>or follow <a href="https://web.facebook.com/astidocgusa?_rdc=1&amp;_rdr" target="_blank">@astidocgusa </a>on Facebook or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/astidocg_world/" target="_blank">@astidocg_world </a>on Instagram.</em><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/96f5b7bf-57c2-4cbe-9e7d-030938f17de6_logos2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div>