From: Castiglione Tinella, Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Moscato
Taste: It boasts a pale straw-yellow hue. Its aroma is vivid and bright, with hints of yellow peach, grapefruit, and exotic fruits. It leads to a sweet, fruity palate with a slight sapidity and a pleasantly sparkling finish.
Pairing: While it pairs wonderfully with light pastries and fruit-driven desserts, enhancing their natural tastes, it also shines alongside savory dishes. Its aromatic qualities beautifully complement spicy Asian dishes (like sticky gochujang chicken wings, spicy mapo tofu, and curries), refreshing their heat. The contrast between Moscato d'Asti's sweetness and the boldness of cheeses, particularly gorgonzola, offers a pleasant contrasting tasting experience. Additionally, savory options such as honey-glazed ham, spiced nuts, or a delicious tart with blue cheese and figs can provide an intriguing contrast that highlights the wine's versatility and depth.
Korean Fried Chicken
Recipe from Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee
Adapted by Julia Moskin
About: For over a century, Cascina del Santuario has retained a dedication to quality wine production. Founded by Umberto Soria in the early 1900s, the family's venture into viticulture began with the planting of the first Moscato vines in the heart of the lower Piedmontese Langa. This pioneering work laid the foundation for a generational family business, with each descendant building upon the legacy of their predecessors and expanding the business further.
Umberto’s son, Mario Soria, took over the family business in the 1950s, building upon his father Umberto's foundation. He started producing wine and expanded the business by selling the product in neighboring provinces. Mario's efforts marked a significant expansion in the family's wine-making endeavors, illustrating his commitment and passion for the craft. Today, at the helm is the 3rd generation, Mario’s Son, Bruno Soria.