Aldi has become the first supermarket to stock the Asti Spumante Rosé DOCG, a wine described as "notoriously hard to find in the UK." The bottle landed in stores nationwide from June 4, just as warmer weather arrived in Scotland.
What Makes This Asti Different?
Produced in the Piedmont region of north-western Italy, this rosé version blends aromatic Moscato and Brachetto grapes to achieve its vibrant pink hue. According to Aldi, it offers a "naturally fruity" and "refreshing" taste with delicate floral aromas and juicy berry notes. With a 7% ABV, it is sweeter than traditional prosecco, making it appealing to those seeking lower-alcohol options.
Daily Record writer Rachel Williams, who sampled the fizz, noted: "I was instantly hit with light, yet definitely sharp, notes of summer fruits, putting it closer to a traditional still rosé compared to that of sparkling."
Taste Test: Flavour and Aroma
Upon pouring, the wine was "vibrantly bubbly, not lacking any fizz like some cheaper bottles do." The aroma intensified after decanting, becoming more tart but not overly ripe. Williams detected intense notes of orange blossom, citrus, peach, raspberry, and rose, though she did not perceive the sage mentioned in the wine's description. "The result is a surprisingly pleasurable drinking experience, as it goes down quite well, once you get over the initial tartness," she wrote.
Is It Too Sweet?
While Williams found the drink charming, she felt it teetered on being "a little too sweet," typical of traditional Asti. She cautioned: "It might be something to keep in mind, especially if you like the dryness of a prosecco." Nonetheless, she deemed it a "fun, refreshing drink ideal for sharing with friends this summer," pairing well with seafood, salads, tapas, and aperitifs.
Availability and Price
The Asti Spumante Rosé DOCG is priced at £4.49 and available in Aldi stores now, though stocks may vary. Williams concluded: "It's not often that there's something new and rare that hits our shelves, and it provided a refreshing twist that has a little bit of charm."
