Asti, a renowned region in Italy known for its production of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti wines, has seen a positive balance in its production for the year 2024. The Consorzio Asti DOCG, the organization responsible for overseeing the production and sales of these aromatic wines, has reported that the total number of bottles produced in 2024 exceeded 90 million, maintaining a consistent performance compared to the previous year.
Among the two varieties, Moscato d’Asti has emerged as the leading performer, closing the year with over 33 million bottles. This growth is largely attributed to increased demand from key markets such as the United States, Italy, and the Far East, particularly South Korea and China. On the other hand, Asti Spumante, while experiencing a slight decline in bottling, has maintained stable exports, with a 0.8% decrease in volume during the first 9 months of 2024. Notably, shipments to Eastern Europe have been on the rise, with Latvia and Russia accounting for a significant portion of total exports, while the United States and the United Kingdom have shown varying trends in consumption.
Stefano Ricagno, the president of Consorzio Asti DOCG, expressed satisfaction with the results, emphasizing the growing trend towards low-alcohol products both domestically and internationally. He highlighted the unique appeal of Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante, which naturally have lower alcohol content and are able to cater to evolving consumer preferences, including the popularity of cocktails worldwide.
Lorenzo Barbero, the Senior Vice President, underscored the strength of the denomination in leveraging the potential of the supply chain to penetrate new international markets. This success is a testament to the global appreciation of Asti wines and the region’s ability to meet the demands of discerning consumers worldwide.
The production of Asti wines is centered around the Moscato Bianco grape, cultivated in 51 municipalities across the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, and Cuneo, encompassing approximately 10,000 hectares within the UNESCO World Heritage wine landscape. The Consorzio Asti DOCG comprises 1,013 member companies, including sparkling wine houses, wineries, winemaking businesses, wine producers, and cooperative wineries. A significant portion of the production, amounting to 90%, is exported to international markets, highlighting the global appeal of Asti wines.
In conclusion, the performance of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti in 2024 reflects the enduring popularity and quality of these aromatic wines from the Asti region. The Consorzio Asti DOCG continues to drive innovation and growth in the industry, showcasing the unique heritage and craftsmanship of Asti wines on the global stage. With a strong presence in key markets and a commitment to excellence, Asti wines are poised for continued success and recognition among wine enthusiasts worldwide.