Sparkling Wines Moscato d’Asti Marchesi di Barolo - Zagara - 2024

The Marchesi di Barolo Moscato d'Asti Cuvée Zagara 2024 is a delightful sparkling white wine from the historic Piedmont region in northern Italy. Crafted primarily from the Moscato Bianco grape, this cuvée stands out for its fragrant aromatic profile and naturally low alcohol content. The 2024 vintage embodies the freshness and vivacity typical of young Moscato d’Asti, with winemaking conducted at low temperatures to preserve the expressive floral and fruity aromas. The wine as a result presents a gentle sparkle—classically "frizzante" rather than fully spumante—and retains a natural sweetness balanced by delicate acidity, making every sip refreshing and uplifting.

Piedmont, where this Moscato d’Asti originates, is renowned for its undulating hills, cool continental climate, and calcareous-clay soils. The region's microclimate, especially in areas around Asti, helps to develop the intense perfume and vibrant acidity that define high-quality Moscato grapes. With a viticultural history dating back centuries, Piedmont is famed not only for illustrious reds like Barolo but also for its sweet, lightly sparkling Moscato, which has long been favoured both locally and internationally as a celebratory and digestif wine.

Pairing this Moscato d’Asti is a pleasure, as its light effervescence and sweetness make it a superb companion to a variety of foods. Classic matches include fruit-based desserts such as peach tart or lemon meringue pie, panna cotta or even a simple bowl of ripe strawberries. For a regional touch, consider pairing it with Piedmontese hazelnut cake (torta di nocciole) or amaretto biscuits. Moscato d’Asti is also an inspired contrast to blue cheeses like gorgonzola or even spicy Asian cuisine, where its sweetness and acidity help to tame heat and harmonise flavours.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Marchesi di Barolo Moscato d’Asti Cuvée Zagara well-chilled, ideally at 6-8°C. This temperature ensures the exuberant fruit and delicate bubbles remain lively, accentuating the wine’s refreshing character. Drink young to experience all the aromatic energy and freshness this 2024 vintage has to offer.