Asti, a sweet and fizzy Italian wine, was once a symbol of sophistication in the 1970s and 1980s, commonly enjoyed during special events like Christmas, birthdays, and weddings. It was often paired with devilled eggs and fondue sets, a hallmark of a bygone era that also featured the hit TV show Love Boat and the popularity of lava lamps and shag carpets. However, as British tastes evolved toward drier wines, Asti’s popularity waned, giving way to Prosecco and leaving it to gather dust in the back of the drinks cabinet alongside other vintage favorites like Advocaat and Harvey’s Bristol Cream. Asti Spumante, the original version of the wine, was once the top-selling imported Italian sparkling wine in the 1970s, with tens of millions of bottles sold annually. It was heavily promoted on television by brands like Cinzano and Martini & Rossi. Made in the Piedmont region of northern Italy using the Moscato Bianco grape, Asti Spumante is known for its sweet, floral aroma with notes of honeysuckle, pear, orange blossom, and grapes. The production process, called the Charmat Method, involves a second fermentation in a pressurized tank, resulting in a wine with a relatively low alcohol content of seven to nine percent. Moscato d’Asti, a lighter and less sweet version of Asti Spumante, has an even lower alcohol content of up to 5.5 percent. It is made using the Asti Method, which involves a single fermentation process, preserving the wine’s delicate aromas and giving it a light, slightly sweet, and floral character. This version has become increasingly popular among younger consumers seeking lower alcohol content, freshness, and a more authentic taste experience. In recent years, Asti has experienced a revival in popularity, earning high praise in global wine competitions. One judge from the Master of Wine program described Moscato d’Asti as one of the world’s most delightful wine styles. The wine is now gaining traction in countries like China, Japan, and the UAE, where it pairs well with East Asian dishes. Notable examples include Exceptional by Asda Asti, which won gold medals in the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge in 2026, and Lidl Asti Spumante Rosé, made with the Brachetto grape and featuring strawberry notes. Italian Asti Spumante DOCG from M&S, sourced from vineyards in Piedmont, offers a flavor profile with hints of meadow flowers, icing sugar, and lemon zest.