The 18 Best Asti Spumante & Spumante You Should Drink in 2023

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Asti Spumante
This is our review of the 18 Best Asti Spumante & Spumante You should drink. Enjoy!
Welcome! Have you ever found yourself staring at many Asti Spumante bottles wondering which one you would like best?
 
We spent a lot of hours researching the topic and tested hundreds of wines to come up with the below 18 best-of list for you.
 
I come from a nearby area and I know Piemonte very well, let’s say that you are going to have some local insight here.
 
We have ranked them by quality, region, and value for money and added an extensive buying guide so that you have all you need to make an informed decision.
 
You don’t have to spend several $100s to get an outstanding bottle of wine.
 
Choose one of the below bottles and you’ll find quality wines at a competitive price, for all occasions and pockets.
 
Asti Spumante Dolce, i.e. Sweet, is one of the most famous Spumante wines produced in Italy and the most exported DOCG in the world.
 
It is known for its elegant sweetness, persistent bubbles, light body, peach, pear, and honeysuckle notes.
 
There are other Spumante wines that are worth knowing, and we’ll take a brief overview of them here as well.
 
They are Prosecco DOC & DOCG, Franciacorta DOCG and Trento DOC. They are great wines and offer incredible value for money.
 
Our best value sweet sparkling bottle selection for you is Gancia Asti Sweet (Dolce).
 
If you prefer a brut, then our best sparkling brut bottle for you is Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige N.V..
 
Alternatively if you prefer a sparkling rosè go for Rosè Contadi Castaldi.
 
You’ll find the table of content below. Let’s start with the review!
4/5

Region: Italy, Asti

Tasting notes: Peach, Apple, Apricot, Honey

Gancia Asti is a delightful sparkling wine that offers excellent value for its price.

Its delicate and fruity aromas, combined with its refreshing sweetness and fine effervescence, make it an ideal choice for celebrations and special occasions.

While it may not have the complexity and depth of higher-end sparkling wines, its easy-drinking and approachable style make it a popular choice among wine lovers.

The three things that make this wine the best budget are:

  1. It’s sparkling, fruity, and sweet and super easy to drink and with a low alcohol content.

  2. It’s perfect for dessert and apero with spicy food as its sweetness balances the heat of the spice.

  3. It costs ~$14 which is a good value for the quality you get.

If you’re looking for a sweet and refreshing sparkling wine, Gancia Asti is definitely worth a try.

Read our full review here.

4.4/5

Vivino’s tips: 92 points by Falstaff Magazine

Region: Italy, Lombardia

Tasting notes: Toast, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Cream

Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige is a superb sparkling wine that demonstrates the exceptional quality of Franciacorta.

Its elegant and complex aromas, combined with its crisp acidity and smooth texture, make it a delightful wine to enjoy on its own or with food.

While it may not have the international recognition of Champagne, it is a fantastic alternative for those seeking a high-quality sparkling wine with a distinctive character.

The top three things that make Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige stands out against its peers are:

  1. Blend of high-quality grapes: The wine is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc grapes that are carefully selected and harvested from the best vineyards in the Franciacorta region.

    The combination of these grapes gives the wine a unique complexity and depth of flavor that is difficult to replicate.

  2. Extended bottle aging: Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige is aged in the bottle for at least 25 months, which is significantly longer than the minimum requirement for Franciacorta DOCG.

    This extended aging process allows the wine to develop more complex and refined flavors, as well as a fine and persistent perlage.

  3. Artisanal production methods: Ca’ del Bosco is known for its artisanal approach to winemaking, with a focus on quality and attention to detail.

    The winery uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that each bottle of Cuvée Prestige is of the highest quality.

    Additionally, the wine undergoes a rigorous selection process, with only the best batches being used for the final blend.

If you’re looking for a refined and elegant wine to elevate your next meal or celebration, Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige is a must-try.

Read our full review here.

4.4/5

Region: Italy, Lombardia

Tasting notes: Brioche, Citrus, White Peach, Mineral

Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut is a refined and elegant sparkling wine that offers excellent value for its price.

Its persistent bubbles, fresh fruit flavors, and delicate acidity make it a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on many occasions.

While it may not have the complexity and depth of higher-end sparkling wines, its easy-drinking and approachable style make it a popular choice among wine lovers.

If you’re looking for a crisp and refreshing sparkling wine, Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut is definitely worth a try.

Read our full review here.

4.3/5

Region: Italy, Lombardia

Tasting notes: Brioche, Citrus, White Flowers.

Barone Pizzini Satèn Franciacorta is a refined and elegant sparkling wine that embodies the Satèn style with its silky texture and creamy mousse.

Its complex bouquet and delicate flavors make it a perfect choice for special occasions or as an aperitif.

While it may be slightly more expensive than some of its peers, its exceptional quality and unique character make it worth the investment for wine lovers looking for a premium sparkling wine experience.

Read our full review here.

3.9/5

Region: Italy, Lombardia

Tasting notes: Ripe and Dried Fruit, Toasted Almond, Hazelnut

Lo Sparviere Franciacorta Satèn is a sophisticated and well-crafted sparkling wine that showcases the quality and style of the Franciacorta region.

Its creamy texture, complex aromas, and lively acidity make it a pleasure to drink, either on its own or paired with food.

While it may not be as well-known as other sparkling wines from Italy, such as Prosecco or Asti, Lo Sparviere Franciacorta Satèn offers an excellent alternative for those looking for a refined and elegant bubbly.

Read our full review here.

4.5/5

Vivino’s tips: Featured in Top 25 Italian Franciacorta Sparkling wines in United States right now (2012 Vintage)

Region: Italy, Lombardia

Tasting notes: Citrus, Wild Flowers, Bread, Brioche

Berlucchi 61 Franciacorta Brut Nature is a sophisticated and elegant sparkling wine that showcases the best of the Franciacorta region.

Its complex aromas and flavors, combined with its crisp acidity and fine bubbles, make it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

While it may not be as well-known as some of the more famous Champagne houses, Berlucchi 61 is definitely worth seeking out for those who appreciate a high-quality sparkling wine.

Read our full review here.

4.2/5

Region: Italy, Lombardia

Tasting notes: Wild Berry, Pink Grapefruit, Bread Crust

Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Rosé is an elegant and sophisticated sparkling wine that showcases the best of the Franciacorta region.

Its beautiful pink color, complex aromas, and refreshing flavors make it an excellent choice for any occasion.

While it may not have the complexity and depth of higher-end rosé Champagnes, its affordable price and approachable style make it a popular choice among wine lovers.

If you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful sparkling wine, Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Rosé is definitely worth a try.

Read our full review here.

4.3/5

Region: Italy, Lombardia

Tasting notes: Raspberry, Cherry, Bread Crust, Lemon Curd.

Berlucchi 61 Franciacorta Brut Rosé is a complex and elegant sparkling wine that offers excellent value for its price.

Its delicate pink color, intense aromas, and refreshing acidity make it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions, from festive celebrations to intimate dinners.

While it may not have the depth and complexity of higher-end sparkling wines, its approachable style and versatile food pairing options make it a popular choice among wine lovers.

If you’re looking for a dry and fruity sparkling wine, Berlucchi 61 Franciacorta Brut Rosé is definitely worth a try.

Read our full review here.

4.2/5

Region: Italy, Trento

Tasting notes: Golden Apple, Citrus Fruit, Yeast, Wild Flowers.

Ferrari Trento Brut is an excellent example of Italian sparkling wine made with the traditional method.

Its delicate aromas, bright acidity, and refined flavors make it a perfect choice for special occasions or simply for enjoying with friends.

While it may not be as well-known as some other Italian sparkling wines, it is definitely worth seeking out for its quality and value.

Read our full review here.

Best Trento Blanc de Blancs: Ferrari Perlé 2016

4.3/5

Region: Italy, Trento

Tasting notes: Apple, Pear, Citrus, Grapefruit

Ferrari Perlé is a truly exceptional sparkling wine that represents the pinnacle of Italian winemaking expertise.

Its complex aromas and flavors are a testament to the quality of the Chardonnay grapes and the skill of the winemaker.

This wine is a perfect example of how Italy can produce world-class sparkling wines, and Ferrari is one of the most renowned wineries in the country.

This sparkling wine is a true gem that should not be missed and is a must-try for any sparkling wine enthusiast.

Read our full review here.

4.5/5

Wine’s tips: Constantly score over 90 points

Region: Italy, Trento

Tasting notes: Red Berries, Citrus, Apple, Bread, Vanilla

Ferrari Perlé Nero Riserva is a luxurious and elegant sparkling wine that showcases the best qualities of the Pinot Nero grape.

Its complex and intense aromas, vibrant acidity, and firm tannins make it an excellent match for rich and flavorful foods, as well as a perfect choice for special occasions and celebrations.

While it may be more expensive than other sparkling wines, its exceptional quality and unique character make it a worthwhile investment for wine lovers.

Read our full review here.

4.1/5

Region: Italy, Trento

Tasting notes: Strawberry, Currants, Biscuits, Hawthorn Flower

Ferrari Rosé is an elegant and refined sparkling wine that offers a delicate balance of fruit and acidity.

Its vibrant pink color and persistent effervescence make it a delightful wine to enjoy on its own or with food.

While it may not have the depth and complexity of higher-end sparkling wines, its versatility and approachable style make it a popular choice among wine lovers.

If you’re looking for a refreshing and elegant rosé sparkling wine, Ferrari Rosé is definitely worth a try.

Read our full review here.

4.2/5

Region: Italy, Trento

Tasting notes: Strawberry, Currants, Biscuits, Hawthorn Flower

Rotari Brut Rosé is a refined and elegant sparkling wine, with complex and intense aromas and flavors.

Its delicate pink color, combined with its fine and persistent effervescence, make it a perfect choice for special occasions and celebrations.

While it may not have the depth and complexity of high-end Champagnes, its excellent value for its price, combined with its easy-drinking style, make it a popular choice among wine lovers.

If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing sparkling wine, Rotari Brut Rosé is definitely worth a try.

Read our full review here.

4.4/5

Vivino’s tips: 92 points by James Suckling

Region: Italy, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene

Tasting notes: Apple, Pear, Peach.

Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore is an outstanding Prosecco that truly showcases the quality and character of the Valdobbiadene region.

With its complex and aromatic bouquet, crisp and refreshing palate, and elegant and persistent perlage, it’s easy to see why this wine has gained such a dedicated following among wine enthusiasts and critics alike.

Whether you’re looking for a special occasion wine or simply want to enjoy a glass of high-quality Prosecco with friends, Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore is definitely worth trying.

Its exceptional quality and reputation make it a great choice for any occasion.

Read our full review here.

4.3/5

Wine’s tips: 90 points by Wine & Spiritz

Region: Italy, Valdobbiadene

Tasting notes: Pear, Strawberry, Honey.

Zardetto Extra Dry Prosecco Rosé is a delightful and elegant sparkling wine that showcases the best qualities of the Prosecco Rose style.

This wine is a perfect example of how Italian winemakers can produce high-quality wines that are both approachable and sophisticated.

Zardetto is one of the most renowned wineries in the Veneto region, and this wine is a must-try for anyone who enjoys sparkling wines.

Its refreshing flavor, delicate bubbles, and elegant pink color make it a perfect choice for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a festive celebration.

Read our full review here.

4/5

Region: Italy, Veneto

Tasting notes: Citrus, Strawberry, Raspberry.

Santa Margherita Brut Rosé is a well-made wine that offers excellent value for its price.

It is a versatile and elegant wine that is perfect for toasting to any special occasion.

While it may lack the complexity and depth of higher-end sparkling wines, it is an enjoyable and reliable option for celebratory occasions or as an aperitif.

If you’re looking for a refreshing and festive sparkling rosé, the Santa Margherita Brut Rosé is definitely worth a try.

Read our full review here.

4.3/5

Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 83% more.

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Strawberry, Raspberry, Plum.

Stella Rosa Black is a delicious and approachable wine that offers excellent value for its price.

Its fruity and sweet flavor profile, combined with its moderate effervescence and smooth texture, make it an ideal choice for those who enjoy sweeter wines.

While it may not have the complexity and depth of higher-end red wines, its easy-drinking style and versatility make it a popular choice among wine lovers.

If you’re looking for a refreshing and sweet red wine, Stella Rosa Black is definitely worth trying.

Read our full review here.

4.3/5

Region: Italy, Piemonte

Tasting notes: Strawberry, Raspberry, Cherry.

Marenco Brachetto d’Acqui Pineto is a delightful semi-sparkling wine that offers excellent value for its price.

Its intense and fruity aromas, combined with its refreshing sweetness and light effervescence, make it an ideal choice for those who enjoy sweet wines.

While it may not have the complexity and depth of higher-end sparkling wines, its easy-drinking and approachable style make it a popular choice among wine lovers.

If you’re looking for a sweet and refreshing semi-sparkling wine, Marenco Brachetto d’Acqui Pineto is definitely worth a try.

Read our full review here.

Buying Guide to Asti Spumante and Spumante

It’s not just about which Asti Spumante and Spumante you should buy.

There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more.

The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview on all these topics.

Asti Spumante Overview

Here you find an overview on Asti Spumante DOCG style is most commonly planted.

Grape

Muscat Blanc

ABV

6%-10.5%

Main Regions

Italy: Piemonte

Other Regions

Grape

Muscat Blanc

ABV

6%-10.5%

Main Regions

Italy: Piemonte

Other Regions

Asti Spumante Taste Profile

These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Asti Spumante DOCG style.

Color

Pale Lemon

Nose

Peach, Pear
Ananas
Honeysuckle
Jasmine

Palate

Sweet
Light Bubbles
Pear, Peach
Medium Acidity
Light Body

Color

Pale Lemon

Nose

Peach, Pear
Ananas
Honeysuckle
Jasmine

Palate

Sweet
Light Bubbles
Pear, Peach
Medium Acidity
Light Body

Asti Spumante Food Pairings

These are some food pairing suggestions for Asti Spumante DOCG. It pairs particularly well with spicy Asian food and dessert.

Appetizer

Salami, Figs, Melon

Meat

Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes

Fish

Clams
Oyster

Cheese & Dessert

Medium (Cheddar)
Blue (Gorgonzola)
Fruit Tart, Sponge Cake, Panettone, Dried Fruit

Appetizer

Salami, Figs, Melon

Meat

Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian dishes

Fish

Clams
Oyster

Cheese & Dessert

Medium (Cheddar)
Blue (Gorgonzola)
Fruit Tart, Sponge Cake, Panettone, Dried Fruit

Serve and Store Asti Spumante

Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store Asti Spumante.

Decant

Nope

Glass

Flûte

Serve at

43 - 46 °F
6 - 8 °C

Store for

Up to 1 year

Decant

Nope

Glass

Flûte

Serve at

43 - 46 °F
6 - 8 °C

Store for

Up to 1 year

What are the other Spumante styles?

There are at least three other main Spumante styles you should be aware of. The recommended serving temperature is still 43-46 °F (6-8 °C).

Below we are going to take a quick look at them so that you know what to expect and what to do with them.

Prosecco
Check our best Prosecco buying guide.

Franciacorta DOCG
Franciacorta is the equivalent of Champagne in France. It’s produced in the Brescia province (Lombardy Region) with the same method as Champagne, i.e. The Traditional Method.

It offers an incredible value for money and that’s why we’ve added some wine recommendations.

Saten, i.e. Blanc de Blancs, and Rosé are variations on the theme worth trying.

Franciacorta is produced for all sweetness levels, but the most famous are Pas Dosé, i.e. no sugar, and Brut.

Expect persistent perlage, high acidity, light body, bread crumb, dried fruit, and citrus fruit notes.

It pairs well with mushroom risotto, veal, pizza margherita, shellfish, fresh cheese, and small pastries for example.

Trento DOC
Like Franciacorta, Trento is the equivalent of Champagne in France. It’s produced in the Trento province (Trentino Region) with the same method as Champagne, i.e. The Traditional Method.

Trento DOC too offers an incredible value for money and that’s why we’ve added some wine recommendations.

Trento Rosé is a variation on the theme you should try. 

You’ll generally find Trento DOC as Pas Dosé or Brut.

Expect persistent perlage, high acidity, light body, bread crumb, golden apple, peach, and stone fruit notes.

It pairs well with deli, white meat, shellfish, fried fish, and salted pastries for example.

Our Verdict

Asti Spumante Dolce, i.e. Sweet, is one of the most famous Spumante wines produced in Italy and the most exported DOCG in the world.

Along with that other Spumante wines that are worth knowing are Prosecco DOC & DOCG, Franciacorta DOCG and Trento DOC. 

If you have been through the buying guide, you should have a pretty good idea of how to navigate the Spumante world.
 
At the same time, you have probably realized by now, that there’s a big selection and, many styles.
 
The good news is that you can get very high quality usually at a good price if you know where to look!
 
That’s why proper guidance comes in handy. We hope our guide was helpful in this regard.
 
Our best value sweet sparkling bottle selection for you is Gancia Asti Sweet (Dolce).
 
If you prefer a brut, then our best sparkling brut bottle for you is Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige N.V..
 
Alternatively if you prefer a sparkling rosè go for Rosè Contadi Castaldi.
 
As always, make sure to serve your Asti Spumante and Spumante at the right temperature and with the proper glass.

What to do next?

Read our wine tasting guide to enhance your tasting experience and taste like the pro!

Alternatively, why don’t you check out our guides on Champagne, Moscato, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay?

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Asti Spumante.

What does Asti Spumante mean?

Spumante means sparkling and Asti is the location in Piemonte, Italy, from where this style of Spumante was invented and made famous all over the world.

What is Asti Spumante history?

Moscato Bianco or Muscat Blanc, is one of the oldest grapes in the world, probably started in Greece.
 
In Italy and in the Piemonte (Piedmont in English) region, it has been cultivated for many centuries.
 
It’s only in the late 1800s that the first sparkling wine was produced by Carlo Gancia using the Champagne Traditional Method.
 
In the mid 1900s an increasing popularity for the wine from abroad pushed the producer to opt for the Charmat Method which allowed to speed up the production process.

Where does Muscat Blanc grow best?

Muscat Blanc grows best in cooler regions on limestone and sandstone soil, which helps the grape to develop its typical flavors.

When is the perfect time to drink Asti Spumante?

Asti Spumante is a sweet sparkling wine and is a pretty common choice for the holidays season or to pair with dessert. 

There’s a dry version, Asti Spumante Secco, that is more versatile and can be used for aperitifs or throughout a meal. 

Is Asti Spumante sweet?

There are two sweetness styles Dolce, i.e. Sweet, and Secco, i.e Dry.

The sweetness level of a wine is expressed in grams of sugar per liter, aka g/L, or as a percentage.

A dry wine contains less than 15 g/L. A sweet wine contains between 50-100 g/L. 

Learn more about wine sweetness level here.

What does the acronym DOCG mean?

DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. It’s the highest classification in Italy.

Every DOCG wine is tested before bottling by a committee of licensed judges which guarantee the quality of the wine.

Other common classifications are DO, IGT, and DOC. [1]

Why is Asti Spumante popular?

Asti is the DOCG wine most exported in the world and the spumante dolce style is the most famous in the world.

How is Asti Spumante produced?

Asti Spumante is produced with the Charmat Method. That’s the same method used to produce Prosecco.

This means that unlike Champagne, Franciacorta, and Trento, it doesn’t go through a second fermentation.

What’s Asti Spumante typical price range?

Asti spumante is an affordable wine. You’ll find good bottles of Asti Spumante at around $10 – $20. 

For Franciacorta DOCG and Trento DOC you are in the $20-$30 range. Unlike Asti Spumante, these wines must spend at least 18 months in touch with the yeast which will add extra complexity to the wine.

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