EXCLUSIVE WINE ALERT:

Today’s Moscato d’Asti DOCG is not only a U.S. Exclusive but is also one of the finest examples of this great style that we’ve tasted. Be sure to pick up a bottle or two as this wine is absolutley perfect for Spring and Summer!

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Mission Codename: The great Frizzante

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Search for an exceptional Moscato d’Asti DOCG for our operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Az. Viti. Tranchero Osvaldo

Wine Subject: 2009 Moscato d’Asti DOCG

Backgrounder: Moscato d’Asti DOCG represents the highest form of Moscato in Italy’s Piedmont and is in a class by itself in terms of refinement. Truly one of the Italy’s and the world’s great wines. Known for its effervescence that ranges from slight to more robust this wine is a delicious way to end a classic Italian meal. The range in effervescence is due to the timing of botting without dosage and while fermentation is still underway. Alcohol is significantly less than regular Moscato and ranges from 5.5% (as in this example) to about 8% and as a result it is sweeter and richer on the palate too. Regular Moscato ranges from &.5 to 10%. Moscato d’Asti also only represents a mere 3.5% of the total Moscato production in Italy.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Golden straw yellow with a fine frizzante that creates medium sized bubbles that rapidly form and rise through the wine. Slightly more pale along the edges and when swirled, this slightly more viscous wine leaves medium legs on the side of the glass.

Smell – Very aromatic with ripe and sweet apricot along with ripe citrus including a touch of lemon and orange. Orange blossom floral and honey notes also emerge.

Feel – Definitely frizzante, this semi-sparkling dessert wine has a lovely sweetness but with good body, this wine dances across the palate with vibrant food friendly acidity and a touch of minerality.

Taste – Ripe and fresh apricot and citrus fruit linger over this sweet wine shows great ripe apricot, Clementine, lemon and tangerine flavors that are surrounded by orange blossom, honey and complex citrus flowers.

Finish -Clean and long this wine’s effervescence lingers on the palate with its ripe citrus fruit. As the fruit fades a touch of spice and minerality lingers begging for another sip (ok to gulp if you must).

Conclusion – At The Wine Spies we generally don’t spend too much time on dessert wines, unless we find one that is particularly delicious as is the *2009 Tranchero Osvaldo Moscato d’Asti DOCG *. An inviting nose and extremely pleasant palate grace delicious ripe tree and citrus fruit. Clean and crisp with nice acidity this wine will also pair well at the beginning of a meal with ripe cheeses. Enjoy this wine young as its pleasant youthfulness is too delicious to keep in your cellar.

Mission Report:

We are waiting for the translated winemaker interview. Please stay tuned as we will post it as soon as it is ready.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The approximate location of the Asti in Italy’s Piedmont can be seen in this satellite photo.