Piedmont is the region where many renowned Italian wines are born, whether they're red, white or sparkling. It's here that great DOCG wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero Arneis and Gavi are produced. But not only that: this region also produced the first Italian Traditional Method sparkling wines (also known as the Champenoise Method in France): the elegant and structured bubblies of Alta Langa DOCG, paving the way for other bubblies produced with the same method such as Trento DOC or Franciacorta DOCG.

 
The history of Alta Langa DOCG bubblies

The history of sparkling wine production according to the Traditional Method in Italy began in Piedmont in the early 19th century, thanks to the Counts of Sambuy who, intrigued by the production of Champagne in France, began cultivating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Around 1850, an oenologist called Carlo Garcia decided to go to France and learn all the secrets of Champagne. Once back in Italy, together with his brother Edoardo, Carlo Garcia began experimenting and producing Traditional Method sparkling wines following in the footsteps of the French, inspiring many wine producers in the area who followed his example. The excellent production of sparkling wines born in the Alta Langa culminated in the recognition of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Controlled Designation of Origin) in 2002 and the DOCG in 2011.

 
How are Alta Langa DOCG sparkling wines produced?

Following extensive research and experimentation, the most suitable soils for the cultivation of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been identified in Piedmont, on hills located at an altitude of no less than 250 metres above sea level and characterised by calcareous-marly soils rich in clay, in the provinces of Asti, Cuneo and Alessandria.

The production of these excellent sparkling wines begins between mid-August and early September, with the hand-harvesting of the grapes, which are then transported intact to the winery and transformed, by pressing, into free-run must, which undergoes an initial fermentation. 
Then, by blending wines from the same vintage, a cuvée is obtained to which the "liqueur de tirage" is added, a secret recipe containing yeasts and sugars, which is indispensable for the fermentation which will lead to the development of bubbles. 

The wine is then bottled and the second fermentation begins, directly in the bottle: this is the fundamental step which characterises all Traditional Method sparkling wines, along with the ageing of the wine on its lees for a variable period which, in the case of Alta Langa DOCG, will be a minimum of 30 months, or 36 for the Riserva version. 

Next, the remuage phase begins, where the bottles, placed facing downwards, are periodically rotated to allow the deposit of yeast on the neck of the bottle, which will then be expelled during disgorging. 
To compensate for the loss of a small quantity of wine during disgorging, the winemakers add "liqueur d'expedition" which, based on its sugar content, will determine the dosage of the sparkling wines obtained and their classification from Pas Dosé to Dolce.   
 

Alta Langa DOCG: types and pairings

Alta Langa DOCG sparkling wines can be either white or rosé, sparkling both in the basic version and in the Riserva version, which undergoes more ageing. Characterised by a fine and persistent bubble, they offer a complex aromatic bouquet waiting to be discovered. 
The acidity and sweetness of these bubbles make Alta Langa DOCG wines perfect to be enjoyed throughout a meal or in combination with fish menus, fried food or tartare, mushroom risotto, Parmigiano Reggiano and grilled vegetables. They also accompany meat menus, such as the "Contessa Rosa" Alta Langa DOCG Rosé 2015.

 
Interesting facts about Alta Langa DOCG

In the municipality of Canelli, in the province of Asti, there are extensive underground cathedrals, i.e. tunnels and galleries built between the 16th and 19th centuries, a UNESCO site since 2014, which bear witness to the oenological heritage of the Piedmont region. This is where the historic wine cellars are located, where distinguished bottles are still maturing at a naturally constant temperature. 
Moreover, it is interesting to know that all the Spumanti Alta Langa DOCG wines must bear the year of the grape harvest on the label and are almost always Millesimato wines, i.e., wines made from grapes of the same vintage. 
 
Now that you know all the characteristics of Alta Langa DOCG Sparkling Wine, you can taste the best labels selected for you by Svinando's experts and discover your favourite pairings!