Asti is one of those ubiquitous Italian words. Rather like Chianti, lasagna, pizza and Prosecco, it’s a word that just about everyone is familiar with. But just because it has near universal global recognition, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is well understood.
Asti, of course, is a small town and municipality in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, located approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) east of Turin. It is situated on the banks of the Tanaro River and is the capital of the province of Asti. The region is famous for being a major wine-producing area, particularly renowned for its Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti sparkling wines, and also for its historic Palio horse race that rivals even that of Siena.
Palio di Asti
Photo Credit Ada Lupoli and Visit Asti
The purpose of this blog article though, which is based on a recent conversation between Stevie Kim and Letizia Corbetta (Italian Wine Podcast, Ep. 2481), is to introduce the work of the Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato, and to shine a light on the diverse range of wines that the consortium represents.
But first, a bit of history.
According to one theory, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the popularity of Asti Spumante surged in the United States when American GIs stationed in Italy acquired a taste for the light, sweet wine of the region. The subsequent increase in demand persuaded many producers to turn to bulk wine production, hitting the export market (to both the United States as well as the United Kingdom) with what influential wine writer Karen MacNeil has described as “a noxiously sweet poor man’s Champagne.”
Of course, none of that has anything to do with Barbera d’Asti and the work of the Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato, except in the sense that many consumers may already have a very limited understanding of what Asti actually is (in much the same way that Lambrusco is also often misunderstood in a global context)
Photo Credit Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato
While Asti Spumante is made in Piedmont from the Moscato Bianco grape, and is sweet and low in alcohol, often served with dessert, Barbera d’Asti is a red wine from the same region, produced primarily in the Asti and Alessandria provinces, from at least 90% Barbera grapes. It is known for its bright ruby color, high acidity, and aromas and flavors of red fruits like cherry, raspberry and plum. The wine is classified as DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), signifying its strict adherence to the relevant production standards.
Barbera d’Asti is just one of four DOCGs and nine DOCs (that’s 13 in total!) that the Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato represents, each with completely different identities and characteristics. With denominations ranging from Ruchè to Grignolino, Freisa, and Terre Alfieri (at least 26 varieties are cultivated in the region), the complexity of the local wine scene represents a significant challenge for the consortium. How do they convey a unified message of the region? How do they design events that give visibility to each denomination while still promoting the region as a whole?
Monferrato Hills
Confronting that challenge is the job of Letizia Corbetta, the consortium’s 27-year-old events manager who appeared recently on the Italian Wine Podcast with Stevie Kim. Letizia is responsible for designing events and initiatives that celebrate and promote the diverse wines of the region and in this episode she shares loads of great tips for experiencing the region.
According to Letizia, the wines of the territory have one thing in common: they are incredibly versatile and go well with both traditional cuisine and modern dishes, pairing well with meat, cheese, vegetarian, or even international recipes (like codfish!). Letizia, who is also a fully trained sommelier, reveals some of her favourite local pairings, which include Barbera d’Asti, with its freshness and fruity notes, and tajarin al ragù, a classic Piedmontese dish of thin ribbon pasta enriched with egg yolks; elegant and structured Nizza DOCG with roasts and braised meats; and Terre Alfieri Arneis which brings freshness and lightness to fish and vegetable dishes.
Letizia believes that the best way for young people to discover Monferrato is to experience it firsthand. Not only its food and wine, but also through adventures that blend nature, culture, and social interaction. From cycling across the hills with stops at wineries, to festivals and great food. And Autumn is the perfect time to visit Asti. The harvest is complete and the harsh northern Italian winter is yet to arrive.
Harvest Period in Monferrato area
Photo Credit Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato
“Settembre Astigiano” is a series of cultural and folkloristic events held annually in Asti in September, culminating with the famous “Palio di Asti” horse race. The celebrations also include La Douja d’Or, an important national wine fair, and the “Festival delle Sagre Astigiane”, a food and wine event that celebrates local rural traditions through a large open-air restaurant. The name “Douja” refers to an ancient, pot-bellied Piedmontese terracotta jug used for storing and serving wine, linking the event to traditional winemaking culture.
The Festa del Ruchè is a wine festival held annually in Castagnole Monferrato, in the province of Asti, to celebrate the Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG wine. Organized in collaboration with the Consortium, it offers guided tastings led by producers, a wine shop, food stands offering local specialties, and live music.
The Consortium also has great expectations for its Barbera D’Asti Wine Festival scheduled in November. The event brings together winemakers, professionals and wine lovers to enjoy tastings, live music, street food, and markets, aiming to increase the visibility and prestige on both a national and international level.
One of the most exciting collaborations the Consortium has developed is Monferrato On Stage, an association that combines Barbera with music in a series of events dedicated to showcasing the beauty of the region. These events blend concerts with food and wine tastings, offering moments of fun and discovery that make Barbera and the wines of Monferrato part of a lifestyle experience. Through this mix of music, gastronomy, and culture, the Consortium hopes to reach younger audiences and connect well beyond the traditional wine world.
Stevie Kim and Vitaliano Maccario
If you enjoyed this episode of the Italian Wine Podcast why not also try episode 1988 where Stevie Kim meets Vitaliano Maccario, President of Consorzio Barbera D’Asti e Vini del Monferrato.
For more information about the work of the Consortium visit: https://www.viniastimonferrato.it/en/
Click Here to listen to episode 2481 of the Italian Wine Podcast
