VALAMASCA Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2022

"Valamasca" Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2022 / Vinchio Vaglio / Piedmont

White wine from Italy

Moscato Bianco, also known as Moscato d'Asti, is a fascinating grape variety that thrives in the picturesque Piedmont region of northern Italy. This aromatic vine is famous for its sweet and fruity wines, perfect for desserts and social occasions. The grape variety is characterized by its characteristic aromas of orange blossom, peaches, and citrus fruits. The wines are lively, sparkling and have a pleasant acidity that makes them refreshing and light. In Piedmont they are often produced as Moscato d'Asti DOCG, which stands for the highest quality. The Piedmont region offers the ideal terroir for Moscato Bianco, with its rolling hills and calcareous soils. Here the vine benefits from warm days and cool nights, which perfectly balance its aromas and acidity.

The “Valamasca” Moscato d'Asti DOCG from the Vinchio Vaglio wine cooperative, located in the picturesque town of Vinchio between the famous cities of Asti and Alba, is an aromatic dessert wine. Valamasca is the evocative name of an inaccessible and hidden place where, according to recurring local legend, witches (le masche in the southern Piedmontese dialect) met to hold their mysterious Sabbaths. And that's a bit mysterious when we talk about the Moscato. It is considered the oldest grape variety grown in the Eastern Mediterranean and Italy, with dozens of known varieties. The origin of the name Moscato is also mysterious. Someone says that it comes from the Latin "muscus" or that it was the flies' favourite grape "mosche", without mentioning that even in Latin times their grape was apparently called "apianae" because it was preferred by the bees "api". In short, an unsolved mystery that in no way affects the certainties of its recent history. The Moscato finds the best natural habitat in southern Piedmont, around 52 small towns in the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo. And on the hills of the neighbouring villages of Vaglio Serra, where the soil is particularly rich in calcium, the Moscato grape produces very delicate and balanced wines.

Certainly "a nectar of the gods" loved by everyone, young and old. All over the world, Moscato d'Asti is known and appreciated as the dessert wine par excellence. After a careful selection in the vineyards, which for this wine can only be in the province of Asti, the Moscato Bianco grapes are destined to produce this magnificent white wine. After harvesting, the grapes are transported to the wine cellar as quickly as possible and immediately lightly squeezed to extract only the free-running grape juice. The resulting must is soon cleaned and filtered and then stored in thermo-conditioned tanks at zero degrees Celsius until bottling. This simple but effective processing system makes it possible to keep the typical aromas and flavours of the Muscat grapes intact, so that they can be found again when uncorking the bottle.

The “Valamasca” has a straw yellow colour with an intense, aromatic bouquet typical of Muscat grapes. A hint of white fruit and orange blossom can be seen. In the mouth it is sweet, delicate, full with a balanced effervescence. The Moscato d'Asti is one of the most drunk wines in the world precisely because it is consumed on any occasion and at any time of the day.

The exquisite Valamasca Moscato d'Asti DOCG from Vinchio Vaglio combines a moderate alcohol content with natural sweetness and reaches its full potential at an ideal serving temperature of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. It accompanies desserts in an unparalleled manner, particularly complementing nut cakes and sweet Italian pastries. Equally, it pairs beautifully with fruity desserts such as fruit tarts, fruit cakes, sorbets, and fruit salads. The Moscato also complements light appetizers like spring rolls, summer rolls, Caprese salad, and salads with fresh fruits and nuts. The lively acidity of the wine refreshes the palate and adds a distinctive touch to each dish. Its aromatic qualities and sweetness make it a versatile companion for various Asian dishes, especially Thai curries, sweet and sour dishes, and spicy dishes with fruity undertones. The sweet and fruity nuances of Valamasca create an intriguing contrast with aged, savoury cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino, making it a perfect match for a cheese platter featuring a variety of hard cheeses. Moreover, Moscato d'Asti from the Piedmont region is an ideal choice for an aperitif or social gatherings. Its refreshing lightness and pleasant sweetness appeal to many, offering a delightful experience. Discover the sweet side of Piedmont and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this enchanting Italian region with Valamasca Moscato d'Asti DOCG from Vinchio Vaglio.

General properties

• Vintage: 2022
• Ageing: Sweet
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Vinchio Vaglio - Regione San Pancrazio 1 - 14040 Vinchio (AT) - Italia - +39 0141 950903
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape: 100% Moscato Bianco.
• Soil conditions: Loamy, calcareous soils with some sand.
• Cultivation height: 250 m a.s.l.
• Hill orientation: South, East, and West.
• Cropping system and density: Guyot. 5000 vines per hectare.
• Harvest: Harvest in September. The grapes are harvested by hand in the morning so that they arrive in the wine cellar fresh and in optimal condition and winemaking can begin immediately.
• Winemaking: The first step is the direct gentle pressing of the grapes, followed by fining and filtration of the must. The must is then placed in stainless steel tanks at a constant temperature of 0 °C for around two months. This process ensures that the scents and aromas of the vine are transferred into the wine.
• Fermentation: Fermentation takes place at a temperature of 16°C for about 15 days and is then stopped when the wine reaches an alcohol content of 5.5%.
• Maturation: At the end of fermentation, the wine is stabilized and remains in closed tanks at 0°C for about 20 days, followed by three months of bottle aging before being sold.
• Sensory characteristics: The first thing you notice is the fine and persistent formation of bubbles, which gives this dessert wine a sensational effervescence. The Valamasca has a fruity nose with floral notes and scents of peach syrup, sage, and light citrus aromas. On the palate, this white wine is well balanced between freshness and sweetness, savoury and perfectly reflects the sensations of the nose.
  
• Colour: Pale straw yellow.
• Alcohol content: 5.5 % Vol.
• Closure type: Pressed cork (DIAM).
• Serving recommendation: This wine pairs ideally with nut cakes, sweet Italian pastries, and fruity desserts such as fruit tarts, fruit cakes, sorbets, and fruit salads. It also complements light appetizers like spring rolls, summer rolls, Caprese salad, and salads with fresh fruits and nuts exceptionally well. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent accompaniment to Asian dishes such as Thai curries, sweet and sour dishes, and spicy dishes with fruity undertones. Additionally, it provides a great contrast to savoury cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino and serves as a top-notch aperitif wine.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 6 and 8°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites.
• Awards: Merum 2023: 2 HEARTS; Falstaff – Sparkling Special 2022: 90 POINTS; The Drinks Business – Global Masters Sparkling Wine Competition 2022: BRONZE; Merum 2022: 2 HEARTS; The Drinks Business – The Global Sparkling Masters 2021: SILVER; Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2021: GOLD; Decanter 2021: BRONZE; Falstaff “Premio vini dolci Italiani online 2021”: 90 POINTS; Vini d’Italia Gambero Rosso 2020: 2 BLACK GLASSES.
• EAN (bottle): 8030227029050
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

MOSCATO BIANCO

The Moscato Bianco, also known as Muskateller in German-speaking regions, is among the most prestigious grape varieties thriving in Piedmont, a region in north-western Italy. Its roots trace back to antiquity, where it likely originated in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Greece. Over the centuries, the grape variety spread across various parts of Europe, including Italy, where it boasts a rich history. Piedmont, Lombardy, Tuscany, and Sicily are among the wine regions of the country where Moscato Bianco is cultivated. Each region has developed its own unique style and interpretation of this grape variety. Despite the increasing diversity of other grape varieties and wine types, Moscato Bianco maintains a strong presence in the modern era. Particularly, sparkling variants like Moscato d'Asti have gained popularity and are known worldwide. The leaves of the Moscato Bianco vine are typically medium-sized and slightly oval-shaped. They exhibit a deep green hue and may vary slightly in shade depending on the subspecies and growing conditions. The grapes of the Moscato Bianco plant are characterized by their loose structure and medium size. Their conical shape is often slightly elliptical, while the berries themselves are round and range in colour from golden yellow to amber. The berries are medium-sized and have thin skin. They are renowned for their intense aroma and sweet taste, often characterized by muscat notes and other fruity flavours. Moscato Bianco is a grape variety that adapts well to warm climates and prefers sunny locations with well-drained soils. The plant tends to produce medium-sized yields, with the quality of the grapes greatly influenced by growing conditions and care. Moscato Bianco wines are known for their fruity sweetness, which can vary from subtle to pronounced depending on the wine's style.

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