Country: Italy Region: Asti Varietal: Moscato Bianco Vintage: 2019 Colour: White Style: Sparkling Producer:  Lombardini VINTAGEThe 2018 vintage began with a good winter, as temperatures andprecipitations were on average. Spring and early summer wasvery rainy, which helped the recovery of water resources lost in2017. The hot weather returned from mid-August which supportedgood maturation of the grapes, resulting in intense grapes withwell-balanced sugar and acidity.PRODUCERFormerly owned by the Lombardini family (proprietors of LaGiustiniana in Gavi), Contero is now owned by the Marencofamily, who are Moscato and Brachetto specialists in Strevi. This 11hectare estate remains one of the best producers of invigoratinglydelicious Moscato d'Asti and Brachetto d'Acqui. The ripest andbest Moscato grapes are used for Moscato d'Asti rather than Asti.VINEYARDSThe Val Contero vineyards are situated in a perfect amphitheatrein Strevi, the heart of one of the best zones for Moscato inPiemonte. The vineyards are superbly tended and produce fruit ofstunning quality. The vines are Guyot trained with 4,800 vinesplanted per hectare. They are planted on steep tufaceous-marlhills with sandstone layers. The grapes are hand harvested intowooden boxes in mid September.VINIFICATIONThe grapes were gently pressed and fermented at lowtemperatures to maximise the fragrance. During fermentation themust was filtered several times. The wine was drawn from the vatwith an alcohol content of 5.5%, then stabilised before beingbottled under pressure to maintain a slight sparkle.TASTING NOTESThis Moscato d'Asti is delicately sparkling, with a lovely perfume offreshly crushed grapes and sherbet. On the palate, it is off-dry,with a perfect balance of soft, sweet fruit, a hint of Turkish delightand lively, fresh acidity