4
Fresh and fragrant, this foaming dessert wine opens with aromas of orange blossom, chopped herb and ripe orchard fruit. The bright, generous palate brings out juicy yellow peach, apricot, pears and lemon drops alongside fresh acidity and a hint of mineral. A sage note closes the finish.
G.D. Vajra Moscato D’Asti makes an excellent accompaniment to cakes and desserts with fruit such as fruitcake and almond cake. It is often difficult to pair with a main course due to its prominent sweet fruity essence but the sparkling wine has had its way with salty hors d’oeurvers and even sweet brunch dishes like waffles. It used to be served as a breakfast drink in Piedmont, after all.
The Moscato D’Asti is made with grapes grown in two vineyards in Mango (Riforno and San Donato) and one in Santo Stefano Belbo (Moncucco), both Grand Cru areas for Moscato Bianco. Made of 100% Moscato, the fermentation is stopped halfway point to preserve the grape’s natural sweetness and gentle fizz. As per critics, the 2017 Vintage is said to be one of the best produced, and even at that, year by year, G.D. Vajra’s Moscato D’Asti has proven to be one of the best and most sought after of the denomination.
Fine sparkling wine must be handled with care. For short-term storage (a few days to a month), you can keep your bottle upright—but away from bright or artificial light. For long-term storage, especially for vintage cuvées, you must store the bottles on their side in a wine rack or cellar to keep the cork from drying out. The ideal temperature for storage is between 7 to 10°C. Once opened, a bottle will be good for 1 to 3 days standing upright in the refrigerator.