Off the A21, 55 km east of Turin. Synonymous with spumante (sparkling wine) but also noted for full-bodied reds. The cathedral, with florid 18thC frescos, is one of the grandest buildings in Piedmont. Count Vittorio Alfieri, poet and dramatist, was born at Asti. He earned a place in history by eloping with Princess Louise of Stolberg, otherwise known as Mrs Bonnie Prince Charlie. Near the town are two natural parks: Rocchetta Tanaro to the south-east, with remnants of an antediluvian oak forest; and Valleandona e Val Botto to the north-west, an important fossil site.