Umberto Fiore Moscato d'Asti 2023 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Umberto Fiore sources its Moscato from vineyards in the heart of Piedmont’s Asti zone, where the steep, rolling hillsides of the Langhe and Monferrato create an ideal environment for the Moscato Bianco grape. These hills, composed of ancient marine sediments, sands, and chalky marl, lend both aromatic purity and mineral tension to the fruit. The soils are naturally poor, which encourages the vines to dig deep for nutrients, intensifying grape concentration and enhancing the lifted floral and citrus qualities that define true Moscato d’Asti.

The region’s warm days and notably cool nights allow the grapes to accumulate vibrant aromatics while preserving freshness and acidity. The 2023 growing season was consistent and favorable — warm enough to ripen the grapes to peak aromatic intensity, but moderated by timely breezes and nighttime cooling that prevented over-ripeness. The resulting fruit was pristine, vividly perfumed, and perfectly suited for the lightly sparkling, low-alcohol style that Moscato d’Asti is known for.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
The winemaking process for Moscato d’Asti focuses on preserving the grape’s inherent perfume and natural sweetness. Grapes are harvested early in the morning to retain their delicate aromatics, then pressed gently to avoid bitterness from the skins. The must is kept chilled to prevent fermentation until the winemaker is ready to begin the slow, controlled sparkling process.

Fermentation occurs in pressurized tanks at low temperatures — a technique that captures the grape’s vibrant floral notes and traps a gentle, natural effervescence. Fermentation is halted early by chilling the wine, leaving a portion of its natural grape sugar intact. This results in a wine that is lightly sparkling (frizzante), sweet but not heavy, and fragrant enough to feel almost ethereal. The low alcohol level, typically around 5–6%, protects the wine’s delicacy and underscores the freshness of the vintage.

This style of winemaking, executed with restraint and precision, is what allows Umberto Fiore Moscato d’Asti to taste as bright and buoyant as the fruit from which it’s born.

Tasting Notes
The 2023 Umberto Fiore Moscato d’Asti opens with a wave of fresh orchard and citrus blossoms, lifting out of the glass with remarkable purity. Aromas of white peach, ripe pear, mandarin zest, and honeysuckle form the core, wrapped in accents of jasmine, elderflower, and crushed grapes. A subtle undercurrent of fresh herbs and chalky minerality adds complexity beneath the sweetness.

On the palate, the wine is suavely textured yet airy, gliding across the tongue with fine, delicate bubbles. The sweetness is bright and fruit-driven rather than syrupy — flavors of peach nectar, apricot, exotic melon, lychee, and grapefruit sorbet unfold in layers. The intensity of fruit is counterbalanced by crisp acidity that keeps the wine lifted, lively, and refreshing. Each sip finishes with a clean, citrus-tinged snap and a floral afterglow that lingers with elegance.

The overall impression is one of purity and buoyancy: sweet, but shaped by freshness; aromatic, but not overwhelming; joyful, but composed. The 2023 expression, in particular, stands out for its clarity of fruit and its brisk, mouthwatering balance.

Food Pairing & Service
Umberto Fiore Moscato d’Asti 2023 is a natural partner for both simple pleasures and celebratory dishes. Its sweetness and sparkle make it ideal for fruit-driven desserts such as peach tart, lemon sorbet, panna cotta, or berries with cream. It pairs exceptionally well with pastries — brioche, almond cake, or fruit-filled crostate — and its low alcohol makes it perfect for afternoon or pre-dinner enjoyment.

Beyond desserts, the wine’s freshness and sweetness contrast beautifully with spicy cuisine, particularly Southeast Asian or Thai dishes with chili, citrus, and herbal heat. It also complements soft, creamy cheeses, salty snacks, and even brunch fare like crepes, yogurt parfaits, and lightly sweetened pastries.

Serve well chilled, around 40–45°F, to highlight its crispness and aromatic lift. Moscato d’Asti is best enjoyed young, ideally within 2–3 years of the vintage, when its floral and fruit tones are at their most vibrant.