Asti DOCG Consortium Approves New Asti Rosé Sparkling Wine After Months-Long Process

The Asti DOCG Consortium has announced the official approval of Asti Rosé, a new sparkling wine style, following its publication in Italy’s Official Gazette. This marks the end of a bureaucratic process that began in late 2023. The new rosé category is now included in the Asti DOCG production regulations, allowing producers to begin bottling the wine thirty days after the publication date.

Asti Rosé will be made from a blend of Moscato grapes, which account for 70% to 90% of the mix, and Brachetto grapes, which make up 10% to 30%. Both grape varieties are well known in Piedmont, the region where Asti DOCG wines originate. The new product can be produced in a range of sweetness levels, from sweet to extra brut. This flexibility gives wineries the opportunity to adjust sugar content according to their stylistic preferences and the demands of different markets.

Stefano Ricagno, president of the Asti DOCG Consortium, said that adding Asti Rosé to the regulations is an important recognition of the region’s winemaking history and tradition. He described the new style as unique in Italy because it combines two aromatic grape varieties. The first official toast with Asti Rosé will take place at Vinitaly, one of Italy’s most important wine fairs. In the months following, producers who have invested in developing this wine will begin production, with initial estimates ranging from 5 million to 10 million bottles depending on market response.

The updated regulations also include other changes aimed at sustainability and flexibility. The minimum bottle weight requirement has been removed, allowing wineries to use lighter bottles and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, producers are no longer required to print “Asti” on bottle caps.

The Asti DOCG Consortium is one of Italy’s largest wine consortia. Its wines come from Piedmont in northwestern Italy, a region with a long history of winemaking. Asti Spumante DOCG and Moscato d’Asti DOCG are internationally recognized for their aromatic qualities, natural sweetness, low alcohol content and fresh character. These features have made them some of Italy’s most distinctive sparkling wines.

With the introduction of Asti Rosé, producers hope to reach new consumers and expand their presence in both domestic and international markets. The move reflects ongoing efforts by Italian winemakers to innovate while maintaining strong ties to tradition and regional identity.