Cascina Carlot 'Fiori di Campo' Moscato d'Asti DOCG
Sparkling Sweet White (Frizzante style). This is a gently sparkling wine with low atmospheric pressure, produced using the Charmat/Martinotti method but halted early to retain natural sugars and lower alcohol. · Cascina Carlot. A family-owned estate currently managed by Claudio Olivero in Coazzolo. They are a boutique producer known for sustainable viticulture and expressing the delicate aromatic heritage of the Piedmont regions through traditional yet technically precise winemaking.
Vintage: Non-specific (label indicates current release). In Moscato d'Asti, the focus is on freshness rather than vintage character. Most vintages in Piedmont provide the warm days and cool nights required to balance the high sugar content with sufficient acidity.
Type
Sparkling Sweet White (Frizzante style). This is a gently sparkling wine with low atmospheric pressure, produced using the Charmat/Martinotti method but halted early to retain natural sugars and lower alcohol.
Producer
Cascina Carlot. A family-owned estate currently managed by Claudio Olivero in Coazzolo. They are a boutique producer known for sustainable viticulture and expressing the delicate aromatic heritage of the Piedmont regions through traditional yet technically precise winemaking.
Country
Italy. As one of the world's most significant wine producers, Italy offers the DOCG system to guarantee origin and quality standards. Piedmont is considered a premier region, often referred to as the 'Burgundy of Italy' due to its emphasis on terroir and indigenous grapes.
Vintage
Non-specific (label indicates current release). In Moscato d'Asti, the focus is on freshness rather than vintage character. Most vintages in Piedmont provide the warm days and cool nights required to balance the high sugar content with sufficient acidity.
Region & Appellation
Piedmont, Moscato d'Asti DOCG. This is the highest classification for Italian wines (DOCG), specifically designating the sparkling sweet wines made around the town of Asti. It is distinct from 'Asti Spumante' by being lower in pressure and alcohol, yet higher in sweetness and aromatic intensity.
Grape Varieties
100% Moscato Bianco (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains). This is one of the oldest and noblest grape varieties, indigenous to the Mediterranean. It is prized for its high concentration of terpenes, which give the wine its signature floral and 'grapey' aromatic profile.
Color & Appearance
Pale straw yellow with brilliant greenish reflections. The wine features a fine, delicate mousse (perlage) that is lighter than Champagne. It is clear and bright, indicating freshness and youth.
Aroma Profile
Intense and highly aromatic. Primary notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and fresh acacia flowers (hence the name 'Fiori di Campo'). It also features fruity secondary notes of ripe white peach, apricot, and the unmistakable scent of fresh Muscat grapes.
Tasting Notes
The palate is greeted by a soft, creamy effervescence that balances the intense sweetness. It tastes like biting into a ripe, juicy grape. The finish is clean and surprisingly refreshing, leaving a lingering trail of floral notes and honey without feeling cloying.
Flavor Profile
Dominant flavors of Meyer lemon, yellow peach, and candied ginger. There are subtle mineral undertones and a distinct herbal edge reminiscent of sage and mint, which add complexity to the honeyed sweetness.
Body & Texture
Light-bodied but with a lush, velvety mouthfeel. The high residual sugar gives it a syrupy weight that is immediately lifted and aerated by the frizzante bubbles.
Acidity & Tannins
The acidity is medium-plus and bright, providing a necessary 'zip' to cut through the sugar. There are no tannins. The wine relies entirely on its acid-sugar balance for its structural integrity.
Sweetness Level
Sweet (Dolce). Typically contains between 120-150 g/L of residual sugar. It is classified as 'sweet' but is prevented from being heavy by its low alcohol and carbonation.
Alcohol Content
5.0% - 5.5% ABV. This is the traditional level for Moscato d'Asti, making it one of the lowest alcohol wines in the world, suitable for afternoon sipping or as a light dessert accompaniment.
Aging & Oak
No oak influence. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the primary fruit and floral esters. It is bottled shortly after fermentation to ensure maximum freshness.
Food Pairings
Hazelnut cake (Torta di Nocciole), peach cobbler, fresh fruit tarts, or Panettone. Interestingly, it pairs exceptionally well with spicy Asian cuisines (Thai or Szechuan) and salty blue cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve very well-chilled at 6–8°C (43–46°F). Use a standard white wine glass or a tulip sparkler rather than a flute to allow the aromatics to breathe. No decanting required; drink as fresh as possible.
Price Range
$15.00 - $22.00 USD. It represents excellent value for a DOCG wine, offering a high-quality artisanal experience at an accessible price point.
Quality Assessment
88-91 points. In the category of Moscato d'Asti, Cascina Carlot is highly regarded for its purity and 'Fiori di Campo' (Field Flowers) expression. It is a premium example of the style.
Production Methods
Fermentation is conducted in pressurized autoclaves at low temperatures. When the alcohol reaches roughly 5%, the temperature is dropped to freezing to kill the yeast, leaving significant residual sugar and natural CO2 trapped in the liquid.
Terroir
The vineyards in Coazzolo feature calcareous-clay soils with sand. The hilly exposure ensures grapes reach full aromatic ripeness while retaining the requisite acidity that prevents the wine from tasting flat.
History & Heritage
Cascina Carlot has been in the family for generations, focusing on the biodiversity of the Piedmont hills. The 'Fiori di Campo' label reflects their philosophy of working in harmony with the local flora and fauna.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Fiori di Campo' means 'Field Flowers.' Unlike many mass-produced Moscatos, this wine is made in very small batches, often from a single estate, ensuring a direct link between the land and the bottle.
Cellaring Potential
Low. This wine is meant to be consumed within 1-2 years of its release. It does not improve with age; the vibrant floral aromas and 'grapey' freshness will fade significantly if stored for more than 3 years.
Similar Wines
Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d'Asti, Paolo Saracco Moscato d'Asti, or more affordable versions like Cupcake or Barefoot (though those lack the DOCG complexity and balance).