Alta Langa
Alta Langa Docg is a Piedmontese brut sparkling wine with a long and storied history. It was the first traditional method of wine to be made in Italy, created in the mid-19th century in the "Underground Cathedrals" recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, either 100% or in varying percentages, it can be white or rosé, brut or pas dosé, and is aged on lees for at least 30 months by strict production regulations.
One of the unique features of Alta Langa is that it is always a vintage wine, meaning that the year of harvest is always indicated on the label. Alta Langa white ranges from pale straw yellow to deep gold and offers aromas that call to mind the grapes used in its production, citrus fruit, and crusty bread. The wine has a delicately savory mouthfeel and is harmonious in its overall taste.
The vineyards must be at least 250 meters above sea level and in the hills. Grapes grown in damp, valley-floor vineyards are not allowed to be used.
Alta Langa rosé is characterized by its powder pink color, which may be deeper when the wine is young. The wine's aromatic intensity is derived from the Pinot Noir grape, and its scents can range from grapefruit to spices. The wine has a broad and balanced flavor that lingers on the palate, and like the white variety, it features the characteristic savouriness of Alta Langa Docg.
Marchese Leopoldo Incisa
In the mid-19th century, Marchese Leopoldo Incisa established sparkling wine production with French grape varieties in Piedmont. The legacy of this innovation was carried on by his grandson, Mario Incisa della Rochetta, who later created the world-famous Sassicaia in Tuscany. The sparkling wine produced in Piedmont is made with at least 90% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) and/or Chardonnay, with a maximum of 10% of other authorized varieties.
The wine must be produced according to the Metodo Classico with at least 30 months of yeast aging (or 36 months for the Riserva). Four types of wine are available: Spumante, Spumante Rosato (or Rosa or Rosé), Spumante Riserva, and Spumante Rosato Riserva (or Rosa or Rosé).
Each type of wine has its own unique qualities. The Spumante has a pale straw color and delicate aromas of white flowers and ripe fruit, while the Spumante Rosato has a subtle pink hue and notes of red berries and citrus. The Spumante Riserva boasts a complex aroma with hints of vanilla and honey, while the Spumante Rosato Riserva has a vibrant pink color and a lively, fruity bouquet.
Despite its long history, the sparkling wine produced in Piedmont continues to be celebrated for its exceptional quality and distinct character. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with food, it is a wine that never fails to impress.
Gancia
This wine's production uses two grape varieties, Pinot Nero and Chardonnay. The very soft pressing process takes place using the Marmonnier press, located in the historic cellars of the early nineteenth century. These cellars have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only the heart of the most is used for vinification during the pressing process.
The must is fermented in both barriques and steel tanks at a controlled temperature until the time of preparation of the cuvée and the subsequent draft for the second fermentation in the bottle. The sparkling method used is the Classic Traditional Method, with a fermentation duration of about 40 days in the bottle. After fermentation, the wine is refined for at least 30 months in the cool cellars of Casa Gancia at a controlled temperature.
The resulting wine has an alcohol content of 12% vol. The wine's delicate pressing process and careful fermentation and aging methods result in a delicate and complex wine with a delicate balance of fruit and acidity.
Its long aging period in the cool cellars of Casa Gancia adds further depth and complexity to the wine's flavor profile. This wine is a true testament to the Piedmont region's traditional winemaking methods and producers' quality and craftsmanship.
Summary
Sparkling wine is produced using Pinot Nero and Chardonnay grapes.
Soft pressing process using the Marmonnier press.
Only the heart of the most use for vinification.
It must be fermented in both barriques and steel tanks at a controlled temperature.
The sparkling method used is the Classic Traditional Method.
Fermentation duration of about 40 days in the bottle.
Wine is refined for at least 30 months in the cool cellars of Casa Gancia.
Wine has a delicate and complex flavor profile.
The wine features a delicate balance of fruit and acidity.
The alcohol content is 12% vol.
Marmonnier press is located in historic cellars from the early nineteenth century.
Historic cellars designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wine is made using traditional winemaking methods.
Wine is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of producers.
The Piedmont region is known for its long history of sparkling wine production.
Sparkling wine production was established in Piedmont in the mid-19th century.
The region is also known for other sparkling wine appellations, including Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti.
The Piedmont region has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sparkling wine production.
Alta Langa Docg is another Piedmontese brut sparkling wine.
Alta Langa was the first traditional method of wine to be made in Italy during the mid-19th century.
Questions
What grape varieties are used to produce the Piedmontese sparkling wines discussed, including Alta Langa Docg and the wine produced by Casa Gancia?
What is the Marmonnier press, and how is it used in the production process for these wines?
What fermentation process is used for these sparkling wines, and how does it differ from other types of wine production?
How long are the wines aged for in the cool cellars of Casa Gancia and other producers, and what impact does this have on their flavor profile?
What is the alcohol content of these sparkling wines, and how does it compare to other types of wine?
What is the Classic Traditional Method of producing sparkling wine, and how is it used to produce these wines?
What is the history of sparkling wine production in the Piedmont region, and how has it evolved over time?
What other sparkling wine appellations are found in the Piedmont region, and how do they differ in production method and flavor profile?
What makes the Piedmont region a center for sparkling wine production, and how do the region's unique geography and climate contribute to the quality of the wine?
What is Alta Langa Docg, and how does it differ from other sparkling wines produced in Piedmont?
What is Casa Gancia, and how does its approach to sparkling wine production differ from other regional producers?
How does the long aging period in the cool cellars of Casa Gancia and other producers contribute to the overall quality and character of the wine?
How does the use of traditional winemaking methods, including the Marmonnier press and Classic Traditional Method, contribute to the quality and character of these wines?
What is the significance of the historic cellars used in production, and why have they been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
How do these sparkling wines compare to other types of wine, both in terms of flavor profile and food pairings?
