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'''Asti''' (/ˈæsti/; Italian: [ˈasti]) is a [[sparkling wine]] from the [[Piedmont]] region of north-western [[Italy]], produced primarily from the [[Moscato Bianco]] grape. It is protected under [[Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)]] status and is one of Italy’s most widely recognised sweet sparkling wines.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>

== Background ==
The town of Asti and its surrounding hills have been associated with [[viticulture]] since [[Roman Era|Roman]] times, with Moscato wines long noted for their fragrant style.<ref>Scienza, ''Atlante dei vini d’Italia: Piemonte'', Touring Editore, 2011 (Italian).</ref> The modern sparkling version, often referred to as ''Asti Spumante'', emerged in the 19th century when producers refined [[secondary fermentation]] techniques. In 1993, Asti was granted DOCG status, reflecting its importance in Italian wine law and its strict geographical and production criteria.<ref>Consorzio dell’Asti DOCG, consorzioastidocg.it (Italian).</ref>

== Characteristics ==
Asti is characteristically low in [[alcohol]], typically around 7–9% abv, and is noted for its sweetness and pronounced aromatic intensity. The wines are lightly sparkling (''spumante'') rather than fully effervescent, and display flavours of fresh grape, peach, citrus blossom and tropical fruit.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref> A distinction exists between Asti and [[Moscato d’Asti]], the latter being lightly sparkling ([[frizzante]]), with slightly lower pressure and alcohol, but sharing the same varietal basis.

== Use in winemaking ==
Production of Asti is based on the [[Charmat method]], where [[fermentation]] takes place in large pressurised tanks to retain primary fruit aromas.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref> This method preserves the grape’s natural aromatics and freshness. The wines are intended for early consumption rather than long ageing and are commonly served chilled as an aperitif or with fruit-based desserts. Asti has also played a significant role in the export market, particularly in [[Northern Europe]] and [[North America]], where it is widely consumed during festive occasions.<ref>Consorzio dell’Asti DOCG, consorzioastidocg.it (Italian).</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Moscato Bianco]]  
* [[Piedmont (wine)]]  
* [[Sparkling wine]]  

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Italian wine]]
[[Category:Sparkling wine]]
[[Category:Wine regions of Italy]]
[[Category:Wine regions]]