Fortified Wines Asti Elio Perrone - Moscato d' Asti - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Elio Perrone’s Asti DOC 2024 is a delightful white wine crafted from the Moscato Bianco grape, a variety renowned for its captivating aromatic profile. The vineyard lies in the heart of Piedmont, a region famed for its centuries-old winemaking traditions. Despite the fortifié classification, wines from this designation in Asti are rarely fortified in the classic sense; instead, the natural sugars and moderate alcohol are balanced, reinforcing the wine’s lightly sparkling and lively nature. The 2024 vintage promises exuberant notes of white peach, apricot, elderflower, and orange blossom, underpinned by a gentle sweetness and a fine, persistent mousse. Vinification is conducted largely in stainless steel tanks to maintain freshness and to emphasize the inherent fruitiness and floral undertones of the Moscato grape.

Piedmont, in north-western Italy, is a region bordered by the Alps and renowned for its varied microclimates and mineral-rich soils, which lend unique character to its wines. The calcareous, clay-laden soils alongside the region’s moderate continental climate—with warm days and cool nights—allow grapes like Moscato Bianco to develop aromatic complexity whilst retaining vital acidity. Asti itself has been synonymous with sparkling Moscato production since the 19th century, and its historical vineyards continue to set the standard for quality in this style.

Owing to its moderate alcohol and charming effervescence, this Moscato d’Asti pairs splendidly with a variety of dishes. It is a classic companion to fruit-based desserts such as peach tart or lemon cake, but also works brilliantly with panna cotta or a fresh ricotta cheesecake. For something more regional, try it alongside amaretti biscuits or hazelnut cake from the Langhe. Should you prefer savoury combinations, its gentle sweetness tempers spice beautifully; lightly spiced Asian vegetable stir-fries or salty blue cheese offer intriguing contrasts.

To best appreciate Elio Perrone’s Asti DOC 2024, serve well-chilled, ideally at 6-8°C. The fine sparkle and delicate aromas shine brightest when served young, so enjoy within a year or two for maximum vibrancy and freshness.