Asti DOCG

Asti DOCG is known throughout the wine world for its light, low alcohol sparkling and semi sparkling white wines made from the Moscato Bianco grape. Cultivated in Piedmont, around the town of Asti, these wines have found supporters all over the world and remain a cultural reference point amongst domestic consumers. A great deal of Asti's early reputation was built on the party aspect of the wine; its low alcohol, residual sugar and delicate fizz made Asti Spumante perfect accompaniments to the rhythms of Italy's social calendar. The inoffensive sweetness of Asti's white wines helped them find export markets all over the world and in 1993 the wine was officially granted DOCG status. As tends to happen, supply increased to meet demand and Piedmont was suddenly awash with large quantities of inexpensive, cheap sweet wine. Much of it was uninteresting and facilitated a new and undesirably reputation as Nasty Asti. Like many of Italy's value conscious white wines, it has served its time in the doldrums. Of course, such stereotypes do not tell the full story. There are many producers making artisan Moscato d'Asti with plenty of character and geographic personality and these deserve to be held up high in the wine world. Historically speaking, three sub zones have always stood out within the appellation as areas with outstanding potential. Canelli and Strevi in particular were admired, but Santa Vittoria d'Alba too. The winemakers of Strevi have decided they are better on their own and have broken free of the appellation, forming Strevi DOC in 2005. Of course, Strevi is still produced from Moscato Bianco, but in a labelling sense, Canelli is now the key sub-zone to look for when choosing a bottle of Moscato d'Asti. Santa Vittoria d'Alba is also known for its late harvest, or Vendemmia Tardiva, styles. The highest quality of Asti DOCG is made in the classic method, or metodo classico, style where the wine must spend at least nine months in contact with the lees.

Famed for its rich gastronomy, standout sparkling wines and famous Palio horserace, the city of Asti delivers history, art and spectacular views in abundance.

Once considered among Italy’s most powerful independent cities, modern day Asti is a charming town of around 70,000 inhabitants and the commercial centre of Piedmont’s world famous wine region. Located at the confluence of two rivers, between the hills of Monferrato and Langhe, Asti - along with neighbouring Alba (roughly 20 miles away in a southwesterly direction) - has established itself as a popular destination for food and wine enthusiasts.

Stroll through cobblestone streets, marvel at 1st century Roman ruins, visit the impressive Gothic cathedral (the largest church in Piedmont) and take in the remarkable viticultural landscape with a bottle of the region’s renowned Asti DOCG or Barbera d’Asti DOCG; however you choose to spend your time here, the amiable town of Asti assures visitors a warm welcome.

Finding somewhere to stay is simple. Tourism has deep roots in this area and there are consequently a wide range of accommodation options both within the historic centre and further afield. Towards the luxury end of the market, the Sunstar Piemonte - a former Baroque palace now boutique hotel, located in Isola d’Asti - offers elegant accommodation, a traditional Piedmontese restaurant (with walk-in wine cellar) and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Similarly upmarket, twelve miles north of town, Relais Sant’Uffizio Wellness & Spa Hotel - dating from the 16th century and renowned in particular for its two star Michelin restaurant Locanda Sant’Uffizio Enrico Bartolini - also delivers high quality accommodation in stately surroundings.

For the foodies, the aforementioned Locanda Sant’Uffizio Enrico Bartolini is perhaps the most exclusive restaurant in and around Asti. Guests can choose from two tasting menus - with or without wine pairings - or select to dine à la carte. Service is slick, surroundings elegant and contemporary, and the wine list - just like the menu - pays homage to Piedmont’s finest alongside classics of Italian and French wine. Other establishments to note are Il Centro in Priocca, Il Cascinalenuovo in Isola d’Asti and All’Enoteca in Canale. But just like its smaller sibling Alba, Asti’s culinary scene is imbued with quality from top to bottom, so much so that it’s hard to find a bad restaurant here.

So, if you’re looking for an elegant destination that combines rich history with a splendid location and the very best in food and wine this genial town, and the wine region it sits at the centre of, will take some beating.