Moscato d'Asti doesn't only pair with desserts. Here are the best labels under 20 euros to try with cheeses, cured meats, and oysters

We could have published this column before Christmas, but it would have been just another article in the midst of a dense forest of titles like "which Moscato d'Asti to pair with panettone." Instead, we want to embark on a mission: we want to try to de-seasonalize Moscato, or at least detach it from the Christmas festivities. Let it be clear and without misunderstandings: it's obvious that panettone is among the things that pair best with this joyful Piedmontese sparkling wine, but we are equally sure that there can be interesting alternatives in its consumption.

Moscato is undoubtedly one of the most famous and well-known aromatic grape varieties. However, it would be more correct to speak of "Moscats" since there are various types: it is one of the oldest grape varieties, as evidenced by its widespread presence throughout Europe and genetic variations that have led to differentiation in skin colors (white, yellow, black, pink).

Moscato d'Asti is produced with Moscato Bianco: as mentioned, it is a sparkling wine, characterized by fragrance and drinkability; it has very low alcohol content, presents fresh floral, fruity, and musky aromas, and has a lively taste; it is sweet, and in the best versions, this sweetness is supported by an adequate acid-sapidity. It's a wine to be consumed young, but we can assure you that even when drunk several years after the harvest (even many, we have proof!), it can give immense surprises: the ease of drinking, which is preserved, is accompanied by an aromatic and gustatory depth that makes it even more intriguing and fascinating.

Moscato d'Asti and the ideal pairings. Not only desserts...

If we were forced to choose one and only one rule in the field of food-wine pairings, we would choose the one that says sweet wine should be served with desserts. So, regarding Moscato d'Asti, the green light is given not only to panettone but also to cooked cream, fresh desserts with ricotta, fruit tarts, or those with creams. No to chocolate, which can overshadow its delicacy. In summary, sweet with sweet wines; but there's no prohibition against pairing sweet wines with savory dishes. On the contrary: how often have you heard that aged, strong, flavorful cheeses go well with passito or fortified wines? So, shifting, if we take fresh cheeses, why shouldn't the lively fragrance of Moscato d'Asti go well with them? But not only that: the balanced sweetness of the wine, combined with the lively backdrop of effervescence, makes it an intriguing companion for delicate cured meats and sausages. Finally, for a real gustatory disorientation, we recommend trying it with oysters: you won't regret it.

The Moscato d'Asti with the best quality-price ratio for the Berebene 2024 guide

As usual, the following list is extracted from the Gambero Rosso Berebene 2024 guide: these are Moscato d'Asti reviewed in our publication with ratings above 90 points, available for less than 20 euros in wine shops and online.

• Moscato d'Asti 2022 - Cascina Guido Berta
• Moscato d'Asti Canelli Casa di Bianca 2022 - Gianni Doglia
• Moscato d'Asti Canelli SiFaSol 2022 - Giacomo Scagliola
• Moscato d'Asti Canelli Tenuta del Fant 2022 - Tenuta Il Falchetto
• Moscato d'Asti Cascina Galletto 2022 - Fabio Perrone
• Moscato d'Asti Lumine 2022 -  Ca' d' Gal
• Moscato d'Asti Prá Dône 2022 - Cascina Galarin