Asti--in the Piedmont wine country

Asti is a small town southeast of Torino, and is surrounded by vineyards in the nearby hills. Asti was settled by the Romans in 124 B.C.E, and is known for it's Asti Spumante sparkling wine (made from the Moscato grape, and a bit too sweet for my taste). However, during our stay here in Piedmont, we learned about a great, light, Piedmont wine for the summer: Grignolino. It's a red wine that is light, and not too expensive. 

Grignolino del Monferrato--a good red that may be hard to find in the USA

And although not as well-known as the Palio of Siena, the Asti Palio pre-dates Siena's Palio. The horse race is in late September, coinciding with truffle season, so that would be an added reason for a Fall visit. Although our visit yesterday was not the right season for truffles, we did find a great restaurant that was serving fresh porcini mushrooms. 

One of two Roman towers that guarded the eastern gate of Asti (this one is the only extant tower) known as the Torre Rossa, First century CE.

There are several other Medieval towers in the city, similar to those found in San Giminiano in Tuscany. 

Since Asti still has some Romanesque buildings and is loaded with Medieval archicture, it has a very different feel than Torino (apart from the size). There are winding, narrow streets, whereas Torino's streets are straight, and for the most part, follow a grid pattern.

The Asti Cathedral, built in the 13th and 14th centuries in Piedmont Gothic style