Marenco Moscato d'Asti Scrapona 2021

As Winemaker Andrea Marenco reminded us in October 2022, he and his mother Michela first visited the Bottle Shop back in early 2015 and it was then that we came to appreciate the wines from Marenco in Piedmont, Italy. These estate-bottled, family-made wines are such a high quality at very fair prices. Founded in 1896, the estate bought many acres of high quality vineyards under the leadership of Giuseppe Marenco in the 1950's. His three daughters have taken over all aspects of the winery and vineyards, including Patrizia as enologist, who is Andrea's aunt. And Michela told us she loves working with her sisters Doretta and Patrizia, and that they are always making the best wines they can make. Located in Strevi, in the heart of Alto Monferrato in Piemonte, and a UNESCO heritage site, this is a place renowned for viticulture for centuries. Strevi has an ancient tradition for its Moscato, here Moscato grapes stand for unique aromas, and a delicate balance between sugar and acidity.

This Scrapona Moscato d'Asti is WILDLY delicious! It is from Strevi in the Bagnario Valley on the prized Scrapona hill. The vineyard was planted in 1996, using the wood from the old vines previously planted here. The soil is mainly sand and marl, with south-west exposure.  The organic grapes, picked by hand and harvested at the beginning of September, are softly pressed and naturally clarified. The fermentation takes place in pressurized vat and is interrupted thru filtration when reaching 5% alcohol, and the wine achieves a delicate perlage or petillance. This is not a sparkling wine, it is simply lightly frizzante. And there is NO sugar is added. 

The wine's golden yellow color leads to a zesty, fresh and fruity style with intense, ripe and persistent nose of key lime, apricot, orange blossom and passion fruit. The flavors are fresh, elegant, and pure. In Italy, they use this beautiful wine as a welcome drink to relax with any time, especially in the daytime, as well as serving an interesting aperitif paired with tempura, fried calamari, light cheeses such as the local Langa La Tur or Robiola, and/or with spicy foods. On the other side of a meal, you may serve this with hazelnut cakes, panettone, fruit salads, macaroons and zabaglione.