Alta Langa wine: the classic method sparkling wine of the Langhe.
Alta Langa wine represents one of the excellent wines of Piedmont, which, as I have told you a billion times before, is a region renowned for its winemaking tradition.
We have seen the red wines such as Nebbiolo and the whites, today we turn our attention to what, trivially, can be named sparkling wine. This appellation, “Alta Langa,” is dedicated exclusively to high-quality sparkling wines, produced by the classic method.
But why is Alta Langa so special? Let’s understand its history, characteristics and reasons!
The history of Alta Langa has roots dating back to the 19th century. In those years, the winemakers of the region began experimenting with the production of sparkling wines using the classic method, the same used in Champagne.
With effort and commitment, in an area where red wines dominated, in recent decades Alta Langa has finally received the recognition it deserves, obtaining the DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) in 2011.
Territory and Grapes
The hills of Alta Langa, located between the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo, offer a unique terroir. The vineyards are planted at an altitude between 250 and 700 meters, benefiting from an ideal microclimate for the cultivation of quality grapes. The main grape varieties used for Alta Langa are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two varieties that express themselves best in this territory.
Production Method
Alta Langa wine is produced exclusively with the classic method which involves bottle fermentation. This long and meticulous process requires at least 30 months of aging on the lees for non-vintage wines and 36 months for vintage wines. This long aging period gives the wine unparalleled complexity and finesse.
Organoleptic Characteristics
Alta Langa sparkling wines are distinguished by their elegance and complexity. On the nose, they offer a rich bouquet of floral, fruity, and toasted notes, with hints of fresh bread and almond. On the palate, they are fresh and lively, with a solid structure and remarkable persistence. The fine and creamy bubbles complete the sensory experience, making each sip a unique pleasure.
Gastronomic Pairings
Thanks to their versatility, Alta Langa wines lend themselves to numerous gastronomic pairings. They are perfect as an aperitif, accompanied by snacks and appetizers, but also pair well with more structured dishes such as risottos, white meats, and fish. Try an Alta Langa with a saffron risotto (perhaps our very own from Cascina Facelli!) or with a sea bass fillet: you’ll fall in love!
Alta Langa wine is an oenological gem that deserves to be discovered and appreciated. Its quality makes it an undisputed protagonist of the Piedmontese wine scene. If you are a lover of sparkling wines, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste an Alta Langa and be fascinated by its elegance and complexity.
Winemakers of Alta Langa
Here are some of the best wineries producing excellent Alta Langa sparkling wines:
- Enrico Serafino Founded in 1878, Enrico Serafino is one of the oldest wineries in Piedmont. Their production of Alta Langa stands out for its elegance and complexity, with labels such as “Zero” and “Brut”.
- Contratto Contratto is a historic winery with a long tradition in the production of classic method sparkling wines in Canelli and is, for its beauty, a UNESCO heritage site. Their Alta Langa wines are renowned for their quality and attention to detail.
- Giulio Cocchi Cocchi is famous for its wines and sparkling wines. Giulio Cocchi’s Alta Langa wines are highly appreciated for their freshness and the fineness of the bubbles.
- Ettore Germano Ettore Germano is a winery known for the quality of all its wines. The Alta Langa sparkling wines produced here are no exception and are examples of refinement and complexity.
- Marcalberto As I mentioned in another blog, Marcalberto is our favorite winery, a boutique winery located in Santo Stefano Belbo. Founded by brothers Marco and Alberto, this winery focuses exclusively on the production of classic method sparkling wines, with a strong commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Marcalberto adopts a meticulous approach in the production of its sparkling wines. The winery’s philosophy is based on a great respect for the territory and tradition, combining modern techniques with classic methods to obtain wines of excellent quality. The winery primarily uses Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for its Alta Langa sparkling wines, carefully selecting the grapes from their best vineyards chosen for their ability to fully express the characteristics of the terroir. Additionally, it is committed to sustainability and responsible vineyard management, using agricultural practices that respect the environment and promote biodiversity.
The jewel of their Alta Langa bouquet is definitely the Nature. I won’t say more about this sparkling wine, look for it and taste it… and then let me know!
In short, the Marcalberto winery represents one of the excellences in the production of Alta Langa sparkling wines, thanks to the dedication and passion of its founders. If you are a lover of top-quality sparkling wines, Marcalberto’s wines are definitely worth trying. Each bottle is a unique experience that reflects the richness of the Langhe territory and the artisanal mastery of the winery.
These wineries represent some of the best options for buying a bottle of Alta Langa.
Each has its own interpretation of this sparkling wine, offering a range of flavors and aromas that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Until next time!