The Virtues of Moscato d'Asti

Autumn may not be the time to go on espousing the virtues of Moscato d’Asti but I am going to do it anyway (rebel!). Moscato d’Asti is that light, fizzy, peachy elixir that is the relative black sheep of the family of wines that come from Piedmont, Italy. It is not a wine to ponder but to sip (hey, you can guzzle it – it’s got about the same % alcohol as beer). It works nicely as a light aperitif or as a dessert wine for those people who are just not crazy about Port and want something refreshing and slightly sweet at the end of a meal.

Moscato d’Asti comes to mind for a few reasons. First, I just purchased a few bottles of Spinetta Moscato d'Asti from Taylor, who recently acquired a case of the good stuff. Second, my mother was just in town and, let me just tell you, moms love the stuff! Third, and most imminent, I am about to embark on my annual “Syracuse Girls Weekend” with 10 of my best friends from college. As you might imagine, vino girl is in charge of the wine for the weekend and I like to keep alcohol intake (we are not in college anymore folks!) as well as price, in mind. I used to fret over what wine to bring but have learned that as long as there is something to hold and sip in between the incessant chatter and gossip, everyone is more than happy. Enter Moscato d’Asti.

Although completely out of the scope of Bordeaux varietals, Spinetta is our Moscato d’Asti of choice at Bon Vivant. It is lip-smacking, thirst-quenching and easy drinking -- not overly sweet and cloying like some other Moscato d’Asti's can be. It may more readily conjure up images of lawn chairs and balmy weather versus cozy sweaters and Autumn leaves but at about $15 and 5.5% alcohol, your friends will thank you whatever the season.