Asti Spumante is a sparkling Italian wine known for its sweet, fruity flavor. The spelling of "asti" is pronounced as /ˈæsti/, with the stress on the first syllable. Meanwhile, "spumante" is pronounced as /spuːˈmænteɪ/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word "spumante" is derived from the Italian word "spuma," which means foam or froth, which is why it is commonly used to describe sparkling wines. Overall, "asti spumante" is a delightful choice for those who enjoy a sweet and bubbly beverage.
Asti Spumante is a sparkling Italian white wine known for its sweet, fruity and effervescent nature. Derived from the Asti region in northwest Italy, it is made exclusively from Moscato Bianco grapes.
Asti Spumante is renowned for its distinctive production method, characterized by a single, slow fermentation process that preserves its natural sweetness. The grapes are harvested at their peak ripeness and then quickly crushed to initiate the fermentation. This process traps the carbon dioxide released during fermentation, resulting in the creation of bubbles in the wine. The fermentation is stopped early by cooling the wine to preserve a significant amount of residual sugar, contributing to its characteristic sweetness.
With its pale straw color and vibrant effervescence, Asti Spumante offers a bouquet of aromatic scents, including floral notes like orange blossom, acacia, and honeyed aromas. On the palate, it showcases intense flavors of ripe peach, apricot, and muscat grapes, accompanied by a pleasant acidity that balances the sweetness.
Asti Spumante is popularly consumed as a celebratory wine; its light, delicate profile and gentle fizz make it a refreshing choice for toasting special occasions. It is typically served chilled in tall, fluted glasses to showcase its effervescence. Due to its inherent sweetness, it pairs well with dessert courses, fresh fruits, and creamy delicacies. Asti Spumante has a lower alcohol content compared to other sparkling wines, making it an approachable and enjoyable choice for a range of palates.
The term Asti Spumante comes from Italian. Asti refers to the city of Asti, located in the Piedmont region of Italy. This city has long been associated with the production of the sweet, sparkling wine known as Asti Spumante. The word Asti itself is believed to have its origins in the Latin Hasta, meaning spear, possibly due to a Roman connection or the shape of the hills surrounding the city. Spumante is an Italian term for sparkling. Therefore, Asti Spumante translates to Sparkling Wine from Asti.