🍷 Quality aromatic sparkling wine

Type of wine ✔ Checked: 10.2026 · sources: 3 Updated: 19.10.2026

An EU category: sparkling wine from aromatic varieties, most often Muscats.

Quality aromatic sparkling wine is an official wine category in the European Union. It covers sparkling wine made from aromatic grape varieties, above all Muscats. Their floral, grapey scent stays in the glass and becomes the wine's main feature.

Special rules set this category apart from other sparkling wines. It may only be made from varieties on a dedicated EU list. Alcohol can be very low, from just 6 per cent, because fermentation is often stopped while plenty of sugar remains. As with other quality sparkling wines, the pressure in the bottle must be noticeable, at least 3 bar.

The best-known example is Italian Asti from Piedmont. It is made from white Muscat, fermenting the must in large closed tanks. Such wines are usually sweet, light and fragrant. They are served chilled, most often with dessert or fruit.

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🍷 Asti

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Frequently asked questions

What is quality aromatic sparkling wine?

It is an EU category for sparkling wines from aromatic grape varieties, most often Muscats. The best-known example is Asti.

Why is aromatic sparkling wine low in alcohol?

Fermentation is often stopped early, so part of the sugar stays in the wine. Alcohol can therefore be as low as about 6 per cent.

Which grapes are used?

Only varieties on the EU list, mostly various Muscats and other aromatic grapes.

⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.

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