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This past weekend I celebrated my grandmother’s 80th birthday AND the Fourth of July at Disney World. I was asked to bring “White wine that was low in alcohol, and perhaps something to toast with as well.”  In order to kill two birds with one stone, I immediately decided to pick up Italian sparkling wine.  And wanting to be able to please family members who enjoy different degrees of sweetness, I purchased bottles of Prosecco, Asti, and Moscato d’Asti. Everyone enjoyed the bottles, but I continued to hear the same question over and over: “Aren’t Asti and Moscato d’Asti the same thing?” My only response was to suggest taking another sip of each in order to decide the answer. But for you, my audience, I’m happy to go into detail about the wonderful world of light Italian sparklers.

An added benefit of these wines is that they offer a great way to bring a Champagne-esque feel to any occasion without draining your wallet. One reason these wines are less expensive than French Champagne or high-end sparkling wines from other regions in the world is because they’re made by the charmat process, a less time-consuming and labor-intensive process than the more elaborate methode champenoise used to make higher-end sparklers (I’ll save the specific differences between these two methods for another article).

It’s important to not to think of these wines as princely pretenders to the Champagne throne, but rather, more playful and less well-bred knaves with their own brand of charm. While Champagne can be rich and elegant, these wines are frivolous and refreshing. Champagne can be a little dry and little tight-fisted with the fruit, but these Italian sparklers playfully offer it to you in spades. Not to mention the fact that while Champagne is usually around 12.5 percent alcohol, Prosecco, Asti, and Moscato d’Asti are usually no more than 7.5 percent alcohol.

When chilled up nicely, Prosecco, Moscato d’Asti and Asti taste especially great poolside, dock-side or anywhere outdoors as the temperature climbs – such as Disney World in July. And, with their happy bubbles, they’re also shoo-ins for celebrations any time of year, as they offer an expensive yet highly respectable way to bring sparkle to grand occasions, such as holidays, weddings, New Year’s Eve – or your grandmother’s 80th birthday.

The three range in sweetness-Prosecco is generally a little drier than Asti, while Moscato d’Asti is usually the sweetest of the three. They also range in the intensity of bubbles. Asti is fully sparkling (spumante), while Moscato d’Asti is gently sparkling (frizzante). Prosecco can come in either spumante or frizzante styles.

Prosecco is made from the Prosecco grape and most often produced in Italy’s Veneto region. Light, crisp and refreshing, this easy-to-love sparkling wine goes well with many foods. Chicken salad, Eggs Benedict and other light brunch and lunch dishes make for winning combinations. However, like many sparkling wines, Prosecco shines when paired with just about anything, not to mention that it is great for making Bellinis.

Made in the Piedmont region of Italy near the town of Asti, Moscato d’Asti possesses just a hint of sparkle along with peachy flavors that appeal to those who enjoy a little sweetness in their sip. Light and refreshing, it’s usually low in alcohol, making it tailor-made for sipping on a warm day. It pairs especially well with fruit desserts.

You have probably enjoyed Asti under another name; years ago it used to be called “Asti Spumante.” Now it’s simply “Asti.” Like Moscato d’Asti, this sparkling wine also is made near the town of Asti from the Moscato grape; the difference is that it’s a little less sweet and it sparkles more fully. It pairs well with dessert, though anyone who likes sweeter wines like White Zinfandel will enjoy it with their entree, too.

In 2006, Savanna Samson released her Sogno Uno (Dream One) under her new Savanna Wine label.  It was an Italian red, blended from Cesanese, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano.  This wouldn’t be news except for the fact that Savanna Samson is a Vivid Girl, and one of the top stars in adult entertainment today.  Although thought to be a gimmick similar to other stars lending their name to wine, Samson’s wine was actually good.  Next came her second bottle, a white made from Falanghina aptly named Sogno Due (Dream Two).  Now, The South Beach Wine Club is ready to recieve Samson’s third bottle Sogno Tre later this year. Ed McCarthy of the book Wine for Dummies has already given Sogno Tre 92 points – close to the 91 point score Robert Parker gave to Sugno Uno.  Some could speculate that Samson does not deserve these ratings, and that these gentlemen are merely blinded by her adult films.  Vivid Entertainment was kind enough to arrange a meeting with Savanna, and you’ll be happy to know that she is just as passionate about her wine as she is about her day job.

Savanna Samson's Wine Label

The soon to be released Sogno Tre (Dream Three) is going to be a Barbera from 50 year old vines. Samson prefers Old World varietals because of the history in the grapes and soil.  She explains that, “These grapes have had to struggle, and you can taste that struggle in the wine.”  Samson’s own wine preferences are mostly for Italian wines, so she continues to try to make wines that she herself would enjoy.  Sogno Due came about from her love of Pinot Grigio, specifically Santa Margarita.  Over time, she began liking their bottle less and less and decided to make her own light refreshing white wine.  “Perhaps they changed the formula,” she joked.  Any executive working for Coke in the 80s can tell you – don’t change the formula!  The Italian reds she regularly drinks are Chiantis and Super Tuscans.  Pinot Noir is also one of her favorite red varietals, but only from Burgundy because, “California Pinot’s, although consistent, are pretty predictable.”

Sogno Tre is only the halfway point to Samson’s dream of creating a portfolio of six bottles.  Next on the list will be Champagne from legendary producer Moutard.  Samson loves the idea of making a Blanc de Blanc (100% Pinot Noir) or even a Rose. Either way, her goal is to try new things and to “see what I can call my own.”  No complaints from her fans; we love to see Samson trying new things.

Savanna Samson with Randy of The South Beach Wine Club at Exxxotica Miami

In addition to her three dreams and the Champagne, Samson also wants to work on a Super Tuscan and a Pinot Grigio.  She will be keeping wine maker Roberto Cipresso for every bottle in her line, but is uncertain of what the sixth bottle will be.  She is looking to her fan base to provide some suggestions, so please submit some ideas.  Samson wants to stay true to form, producing sexy wines for people to have at parties.  “Serving wine at parties changes the party.  People talk more and began interacting much more.”  We like the road that Samson is going down with this thought – all we have to do is watch one of her videos to know how those parties end.

Although incredibly simple, Muscato d’Asti could be one of the few wines that everyone can agree on. The problem is that most people either haven’t heard of it, or confuse it with Asti Spumante. Made in the Piedmont region of Italy from Moscato Bianco (the grapes the French refer to as Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains), Moscato d’Asti is always low in alcohol (6% maximum), remarkably fruity and fragrant and just sweet enough to be perfect as either an aperitif or a dessert wine. Delicate and light on the palate, many would even consider Moscato d’Asti as the perfect wine to spruce up breakfast. Eggs Benedict, poached pears, waffles, or just a plain fruit bowl should be accompanied by numerous glasses of Moscato d’Asti.

Moscato d'Asti paired with a fresh fruit salad

While Asti Spumante is a light, sugary tasting sparkling wine that is just a step above cold duck (people from New Jersey know what I’m talking about), Moscato d’ Asti is slightly sweet and boldly fruity, offering flavors of honey, apples, and flowers. Thinner and lighter than a Sauterne, Moscato d’Asti could be considered the nectar of the Gods. Its lack of sophistication is what makes it so wonderful; this is not a wine meant to be sipped, reflected and discussed. On the contrary, this frizzante (lightly sparkling) wine is meant to be consumed, almost as well chilled as you would Champagne, in large mouthfuls. This does not mean you should add ice cubes.

And so, between the easy-drinking nature of Moscato d’Asti, and the fact that you won’t get mom or grandma too drunk, I would certainly suggest Moscato d’Asti as a great go-to wine for Mother’s day – whether you celebrate over breakfast, brunch or dinner. I think you’ll find it’s a wine that will quickly be added to your regular wine list at home. Keep an eye out for it on restaurant dessert menus as well.