Recently, I had a truly amazing experience of going to Asti Spumante & Panettone Tasting. This wasn’t your average pairing but one that was one to delight the senses. I knew I was in for an authentic Italian experience.
During this evening, guests were given a variety of Asti Spumante, and enjoyed some delicious hors d’oeuvres. I tried a few different varieties. Each was deeply delicious in its own way.
Then we learned about Asti Spumante (affectionately just known as Asti) from its production to its history of rising in popularity. Keith Beavers, Tasting Director at VinePair at educated our group about this fabulous wine made in Southern Piermont in Italy. Made from the Moscato Bianco grape, it is sweet and low in alcohol. The DOCG production zone is based in the Province of Asti.
After Keith spoke, we met Chef Bilena Settepani as she spoke about her love of baking, especially her Panettone. Her family owns Settepani in Brooklyn and Harlem where they make the most amazing Panettone. This bread could change the tune of any Panettone skeptics.
We tried three unique creations prepared by Bilena including the original, chocolate and pistachio. They were out of this world and paired so beautifully with the Asti.
Trying both Asti and Settepani’s Panettone was definitely an amazing experience. Certainly, trying them at the time has changed the way I look at bubbly and Italian dessert bread, for the better.
Asti Spumante DOCGAsti Spumante DOCG reviewChef Bilena SettepaniKeith BeaversPanettonesettepani bakery brooklynsettepani bakery harlemVinepair
what do you think?