When we delve into the world of wine, we quickly realize it's more than just a drink; it's an experience. Wine carries stories, places, and memories, making each bottle a unique voyage. At VinoVoss, we're committed to bringing you the complete wine experience from various corners of the globe. But let's be honest, reading about it will never compare to living it. That's why we've embarked on a journey to Asti, a charming city in northwest Italy, nestled in the heart of the Piemonte region, renowned for its rich culture, history, and, of course, exceptional wine.

Stay tuned for the Asti trip day-to-day Blog coming up!

The Golden Truffle (Photo: Lotte Gabrovits)

Day 0: Setting the Stage

Our adventure begins with a rather lengthy day of travel. Delayed flights and what seemed like endless hours on the road brought us to a quaint hotel in Asti. Eager to savor the local cuisine, we set our sights on a restaurant, only to find it closed just before our arrival.

Plan B was in order.

Fortunately, Joy Abudwaya from International Exhibition Management (IEM) Italia, our gracious host, recommended an alternative just across the street, the Golden Truffle. We were starving, yet we politely decided to wait for Joy before indulging in our first Italian meal. As she finally joined us, we toasted to our arrival.

Joy promised us a journey filled with culinary delights, and our first wine, a light sparkler with delicate bubbles, refreshing acidity, and nutty hints, set the stage perfectly. Paired with a plate of pancetta, salumi, mortadella, bresaola, and fried bread, it was an exquisite combination.

The plate of plate of pancetta, salumi, mortadella, bresaola, and fried bread was simply an exquisite combination (Photo: Lotte Gabrovits)

The star of the evening, Barbera d’Asti, accompanied our main course. Specifically, we enjoyed the Poggio Barbera d’Asti 2021, a wine many of you may recognize. Paired with a white truffle pasta adorned with fried zucchini, this Barbera was a match made in heaven.

To let your mouth water a bit just check out the pics and stay tuned for more.

White truffle pasta adorned with fried zucchini, simply delicious (Photo: Lotte Gabrovits)

In the next session we do a deep dive into the world of Asti with a masterclass hosted by Giacomo Pondini.

Whether it's savoring a delightful Pinot Noir from clay-rich soils or experiencing the vibrant essence of Barbera d'Asti, our culinary journey in Asti promises an unforgettable adventure. Each sip reveals the heart and soul of this Italian gem.

Wines tasted: Castello Di Razzano Lunadoro Brut Metodo Classico

This Pinot Noir is a delightful expression of precision and elegance. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, it reflects the unique character of clay-rich soils. The grapes are harvested manually at the end of August, ensuring peak ripeness. Gentle pressing and controlled temperature fermentation at 16°-18°C preserve the varietal's finesse. The wine then undergoes refermentation in the bottle, maturing for at least 12 months on yeasts before disgorgement. With a moderate 12% alcohol content, it offers a crisp, refreshing experience, best served at 8°-10°C. It's a testament to the Pinot Noir's innate grace.

Poggio Barbera d’Asti 2021

The Poggio Barbera d'Asti 2021 is a vibrant and expressive red wine that captures the essence of the Asti region. This wine is beautifully showing the rich characteristics of the Barbera grape variety. Pouring into the glass, it reveals an enticing ruby hue. On the nose, there are inviting aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and a subtle hint of spice and herbs, almost etheric. The palate is treated to a delightful burst of red fruit flavors, underscored by a touch of earthiness. With a balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins, it offers a harmonious and satisfying experience.

Both of these amazing wines are produced in limited quantities and are found in select locations. Until your trip to Asti, where you can taste these wines first-hand, check out these Moscato d’Asti wine recommendations at VinoVoss.

So what are you waiting for? Join us to find out what happened the following days, as we uncover more flavors and stories from this enchanting region.

Lotte Gabrovits