When it comes to aromatic grape varieties, one of the first that comes to mind is undoubtedly Moscato. In fact, it would be more correct to say "Moscati," given the many types that have differentiated over the centuries. These grapes are among the oldest and most widely cultivated varieties in the world.
Moscato d'Asti and Canelli: characteristics and pairings
In Italy, Moscato grapes are grown in several regions, but one of the most important is, of course, the province of Asti in Piedmont. Moscato d'Asti and Canelli (previously a subzone of the denomination, now a standalone DOCG) are made from white Moscato grapes. This is a fragrant, lightly sparkling white wine with an extremely pleasant drinkability, characterised by a very low alcohol content (no more than 6.5%), fresh and intensely aromatic aromas, and a lively, sweet, and light flavour. In the best versions, it is accompanied by a fresh acidic lift that enhances its profile.
In theory, it should be consumed young, but our field experience has led us to reconsider the drinking window of Moscato d'Asti. In fact, tasting these wines several years after harvest has revealed a deeper and more complex aromatic profile, with an intriguing and fascinating sip.
Moscato is primarily associated with desserts, and indeed, it is difficult to separate it from Christmas panettone—its ultimate pairing—Easter colomba, or other delicate sweets like panna cotta, ricotta tarts, fruit-based desserts, or custard-based treats. However, due to its fragrance and vibrancy, it also pairs well with seemingly unconventional matches that, we can assure you, work beautifully. It pairs excellently with fresh cheeses (crescenze, robiola, stracchino, goat cheese...), and its balanced sweetness, combined with its lively effervescence, makes it an unexpected companion for delicate cured meats and sausages. Finally, if you want to challenge your preconceptions, try it with oysters—you won’t regret it.
The great Moscato family
Originating from Asia Minor, the grape variety was spread across the Mediterranean basin by Greek and Phoenician sailors. Thanks to its distinctive features—above all, its characteristic aroma—it has always enjoyed immense success. To describe it, unlike other wines, we do not need to resort to comparisons; we simply say, "It smells like Moscato." And that is enough.
Of course, over the millennia, the species has evolved and adapted to vastly different climates and soils. Within this vast family, we find the small-berried Moscato, which has given rise to numerous variants such as Moscato di Canelli, Moscato di Frontignan, Moscatello Bianco, Moscatel Menudo, Muskateller, Brown Muscat, and many more. From Moscato d'Alessandria, we get Muscat Roumain, Moscatel de Malaga, our own Zibibbo, and others. Not to be forgotten is Moscato d'Hamburg, a black-berried variety that is widely cultivated.
The best value-for-money Moscato d'Asti and Canelli
But which ones should you try? Below, we recommend the best Moscato d'Asti and Canelli wines that you can find in wine shops or online for under €20, as reviewed in the Berebene 2025 and Vini d'Italia 2025 guides by Gambero Rosso.
The 2023 vintage offers aromas of medicinal herbs with hints of lime and candied orange peel, followed by a well-balanced palate with vibrant acidity supporting its richness and sweetness. The Su Reimond reveals notes of Williams pear, pastry, and sage, with good structure, persistence, and just the right sweetness, complemented by beautiful acidity and freshness.
Since the late 1970s, the winery has been run by the Bera family, and today, Valter and Alida's sons, Riccardo and Umberto, are also involved in its management. The vineyards are located along the road from Neive to Neviglie, in the heart of Barbaresco. It is thanks to the wines of this area that Bera has risen to prominence, particularly with their Cru Rabaja, Basarin, and Serraboella.
The Lumine 2023 offers aromas of apricot and syrupy peaches, with herbal undertones, delivering a deep yet fresh palate. Ca' d' Gal has always focused on Moscato d'Asti (last year, their Lumine 2022 was awarded Italy’s best value-for-money sweet wine). This is thanks in part to the location—Santo Stefano Belbo, at the heart of the denomination—where light, sandy soils provide elegance and drinkability. The Boido family is so devoted to this grape that they have even carried out a vineyard zoning project to craft a wine from vines over 70 years old, consistently yielding fascinating results.
A captivating wine with aromas of candied orange peel and panettone, leading to a rich and long palate, underpinned by a strikingly fresh acidity. Cascina Fonda’s origins date back to the early 1960s, but it was only in 1988 that brothers Massimo and Marco Barbero decided to start bottling the wines from their family estate. A new winery was later built in 2002. Their vineyards span two municipalities: Mango, dominated by Moscato, and Neive, where Nebbiolo prevails. Their wines are modern in style while expressing strong territorial character.
Excellent Moscato d'Asti '23 from La Morandina, intense on the nose, with beautiful notes of sage, apple, candied ginger, and aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is rich yet also remarkably fresh and harmonious, with acidity that perfectly balances the sugar, resulting in a wine with great length and character.
The company has four main estates, starting with Castiglione Tinella, all located between 280 and 400 meters in altitude around the historic winery, with a focus on Moscato, featuring vineyards over forty years old. Nebbiolo is also cultivated in Bricco Spessa, Neive, for the production of Barbaresco, while Barbera is grown in the two estates of Varmat, with vines over a hundred years old, and Zucchetto, both in Montegrosso d'Asti, to create wines that best enhance the union between terroir and grape variety.
The Moscato d'Asti Volo di Farfalle '23 from Scagliola Sansì showcases aromas of aromatic herbs and candied orange peel, leading to a harmonious palate, with beautiful length and a finish where varietal tones of sage and mandarin emerge.
Nearly ninety years of history for the Scagliola family winery, now in its fifth generation with Martina and Federica. Their Barbera acts as an ambassador for territories rich in tuff and sand, with limestone inserts that add body and freshness, while the Moscato expresses the essence of Canelli, with its layers of sand and marl giving finesse. The estate is located in San Siro di Calosso, at around 400 meters altitude, on a hill straddling Monferrato and Langhe.
The Moscato d'Asti Bele Fije '23 from Tenute RaDe presents aromas of aromatic herbs and gingerbread on the nose, while the palate is well-structured, long, with its significant sweetness well supported by acidity.
Daniele Cusmano, together with his wife Ilaria, runs the winery founded in 1988 with his father Raimondo (hence the name Tenute RaDe). The winery boasts several vineyards across Castel Boglione, Canelli, Cassinasco, Momperone, and Nizza Monferrato. In addition to Barbera, they also cultivate Merlot, Syrah, Timorasso, Sauvignon, Moscato, and for Metodo Classico, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their wines are modern in style, designed to express the best characteristics of each territory of origin.
The Canelli Tenuta del Fant '23 from Tenuta Il Falchetto offers floral and fruity notes of great elegance, with a hint of candied orange peel, and a harmonious palate, with a masterful balance between sweetness and acidity, leading to a long and vibrant finish.
Tenuta Il Falchetto produces a wide range of wines, both in terms of grape varieties and terroir. The primary focus is on Barbera and Moscato, within the Nizza and Canelli denominations, but they also cultivate Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Dolcetto, sourced from six different estates spread across the provinces of Cuneo and Asti. Brothers Giorgio, Fabrizio, and Adriano Forno enhance each grape variety by bringing out the unique characteristics of the terroir.
Nestled in a corner of paradise in the Annunziata hamlet of Castagnole delle Lanze, the Gianni Doglia winery, a family-run estate, is led by the talented and complementary Paola and Gianni Doglia. Positioned at the top of the Moscato d'Asti denomination, this year their 2023 vintage stood out once again. Additionally, the winery is among the best producers of Barbera, with some flawless interpretations. With this pedigree, now internationally recognised, every visit to the winery offers many fascinating insights.
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