One of the most famous events held in Asti is the famous Palio
d'Asti, in which all the old town wards, called "Rioni" and "Borghi" plus nearby
towns compete in a bare-back horse race.
This event recalls a victory in battle
versus the rival city
Alba, during the Middle Ages after the victorious battle a race was held around Alba's
walls, from then on every year in Asti.
Rival town Alba spoofs the event with a race of their own -- riding asses -- in
their Palio degli Asini on the first Sunday in October.
Asti's Palio is the oldest recorded one
in Italy, and in modern times is held in the triangular Piazza Alfieri preceded
by a medieval pageant through the old town on the 3rd Sunday of September.
Asti History
Asti was an ancient settlement founded by the Ligurians. In 89 BC, during the rule of Augustus, it became a Roman
colony called Hasta Pompeia, a name derived from the measuring rods that were planted on properties belonging to
debtors to the public treasury. Asti was subject to many incursions by the Saracens in the eleventh century and was,
as a result, entirely rebuilt. Citizens began erecting towers to protect themselves from future invasions and Asti
soon became known as the "city of 100 towers." Only the first-century Torre Rossa (Red Tower) remains from those built
during Roman times, although a large number of the towers dating from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries, among the
tallest in Piedmont, are still in good condition. These include the clock towers of San Bernardino, the Guttuari, the
Solara, and the towers of the Bridge of Lombriasco.
In 1095 Asti became one of Italy's first free communes, and in 1140 it was granted the right to mint coins. The influence
of medieval and flowering Renaissance styles can be seen in the city's many architectural gems. Fortified palazzos
embellished by ogival windows belonged to the city's noble class. The Rotonda di San Pietro is a glorious Roman monument.
The Gothic Duomo was restructured and houses a treasury and a series of frescoes and paintings of great historical
significance. The Gothic Collegiate Church of San Secondo was begun in 1256 and finished in 1462 and houses a sixth-
or seventh-century crypt.
Asti Wine
Asti's vineyards arabesque is over the hills of the Sinus asticus, a branch of an ancient sea that was the basin upon
which the town's foundations were built. Even more famous than its towers is the wine that is made in Asti. Wine is
the principal resource of the town, and residents dedicate body and soul to its production. The Wine Making School of
Asti produces master wine makers who teach their art all over the world. The famous Piedmont carnival mask takes its name
from the douja, the traditional wooden measure used by cellar masters. Gianduja chocolate derives its name from "Gian da
la douja," which describes the severe but humorous workman, a prickly but convivial character.
One of the many wine festivals in Italy is the Douja d'Or National Wine Festival held each September. The festival awards
the best wine of the year and includes tastings, art exhibitions, and a ceremonial procession. It is a wonderful opportunity
to sample and purchase the wines and local specialties of Piedmont.
Some of most important Italian
wines—including
the renowned Barolo
—are produced in the nearby
Langhe
(Province of Cuneo).
Monferrato
generally, which includes the
Province of Asti, is an important area for the production of fine wines. But
perhaps the wine most famously associated with Asti worldwide is the sparkling
Asti
Spumante (DOCG).
The name today is usually shortened to ‘Asti’ in
order to avoid associations with the many wines of dubious quality which are
labelled as Spumante. Asti is typically sweet and low in alcohol
(often below 8%). It is made solely from the moscato bianco white
muscat grape. A premium version known as Moscato d'Asti (DOCG) is seldom
seen outside Italy.
Monferrato Hills
While Asti province became famous around the world thanks to Martini and Rossi, Gancia and
Riccadonna which made commercial wines like Asti Spumante, it is now also
becoming famous internationally for its classic red wines such as Barbera
d'Asti, Fresia d'Asti, Grignolino d'Asti, Bonarda and
Rucha' di Castagnole Monferrato.
These wines and many others can be sampled
during the week-long Douja d'Or wine exhibition which is held at the same time
as the Palio and Sagre.
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