Alba, Piedmont – November 2023. The medieval town of Alba, renowned as the gastronomic capital of Piedmont, is alive with activity this November. Known globally for its premium hazelnuts, which grace products like Nutella and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Alba is now celebrating another prized delicacy: truffles. The annual Alba Truffle Festival is in full swing, drawing gourmands and visitors from around the world to savor the region’s famed white and black truffles. Amid the festivities, local wine producers and high-end restaurants are seizing the opportunity to showcase their finest offerings, including the increasingly celebrated Alta Langa Metodo Classico sparkling wines.
A Rising Star in Italian Sparkling Wine
Alta Langa, a relatively young appellation, has quickly made a name for itself in the world of fine wines. First established as a DOC in 2002, it earned DOCG status in 2011, retroactively applied to vintages from 2008. Despite its recent formal recognition, Alta Langa has a rich history, producing Italy’s first traditional method sparkling wines in the mid-19th century. These wines were stored in the region’s iconic “underground cathedrals,” now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Alta Langa Metodo Classico is produced in three key areas—Alessandria, Cuneo, and Asti—nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean. The high-altitude vineyards, with their unique soils and climate, are ideal for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the two grapes required for DOCG certification. Strict production rules mandate that all wines must be vintage-dated, aged on lees for at least 30 months, and sourced from vineyards situated above 250 meters. For Riserva wines, these standards are exceeded to achieve greater depth and complexity.
A Region on the Rise
Alta Langa’s producers are fiercely proud of their growing identity, often drawing comparisons to Franciacorta, Lombardy’s prestigious sparkling wine region. Like Franciacorta, Alta Langa aims to compete with top-quality champagnes, with prices reflecting its ambition. Wines from leading producers routinely score 96 points or higher, cementing their place among the world’s elite sparkling wines.
The region’s growth has been remarkable. In 2018, there were 20 producers cultivating 250 hectares of vineyards. By 2023, this number had surged to 86 producers and 455 hectares, yielding nearly two million bottles annually. With plans to produce five million bottles by 2030, Alta Langa is poised for even greater global recognition.
A Taste of Excellence
During a recent press trip, journalists from the United States and Canada were treated to a blind tasting of 74 Alta Langa Metodo Classico wines from 49 producers. The tasting showcased the diversity and heritage of the region’s wine production, featuring brut, extra brut, pas dosé (zero dosage), blanc de blancs, blanc de noirs, and rosé styles. Vintages ranged from 2018 to 2021, with Riserva wines dating back to 2011.
Standout wines included the Cocchi Bianc’ d Bianc Brut 2018 (RRP £29), with its vibrant white fruit and apricot notes, and the Enrico Serafino Riserva White Pas Dosé 2011 (RRP £36), which offered orchard fruit flavors and a nutty complexity. The Matteo Correggia Rosé Severina Extra Brut 2018 (RRP £30) impressed with its elegant pink hue, fragrant bouquet, and persistent perlage.
Blending Tradition and Innovation
Alta Langa’s producers are adept at balancing tradition with innovation. Many have transitioned from using Moscato grapes to focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while others have expanded their portfolios to include traditional method sparkling wines alongside their still reds.
A visit to Bosca, one of the region’s oldest producers, highlighted this blend of old and new. Established in 1831, Bosca stores its wines in UNESCO-listed underground cellars while embracing modern aesthetics in its tasting room. Sixth-generation director Polina Bosca and marketing head Nicolo Omento emphasized the region’s unique identity. “We don’t need to compare ourselves to Champagne—we believe we are in a league of our own,” Omento stated.
Truffles and Sparkling Wine: A Perfect Pairing
The trip culminated in sumptuous dinners at Castle Roddi and the Michelin-starred Guidoristorante, where Alta Langa sparklers were paired with truffle-infused dishes. Highlights included the Casa E di Mirafiore Blanc de Noir Brut 2020 (£29), with its creamy Pinot Noir structure, and the Gancia Riserva Cuvee 120m Brut 2006 (£131), a complex and lengthy wine. The Tosti1820 Bicentenario Pas Dosé 2010 stood out for its zippy minerality and fine mousse.
To demonstrate Alta Langa’s versatility, the trip concluded with a cooking demonstration by Chef Ziling Zhou from Sichuan’s renowned Silver Pot restaurant. Paired with the Banfi Blanc de Noirs Pas Dosé 2017 (€40), the wines proved equally adept at complementing Asian cuisine as they were with traditional Italian dishes.
A Bright Future for Alta Langa
As the trip drew to a close, it was clear that Alta Langa is a region on the rise. While its identity is still evolving, the commitment to quality and ambition among its producers is unwavering. With its growing popularity and increasing global recognition, Alta Langa Metodo Classico is set to shine brightly on the world stage, offering a sparkling wine experience that is distinctly its own.
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