This prestigious classic method owes its name to the Brut Riserva Novecento, a sparkling wine created in 1986 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Contratto winery one year early. It is made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes from the vineyards of Loazzolo and Cassinasco, on the hills above the town of Canelli. After destemming, the grapes pass through the press without being crushed and the draining of the berries produces the must flower, the most precious part of the juice. The first fermentation takes place in steel tanks, followed by about 9 months of refinement, also in steel, and finally bottling. The second fermentation in the bottle is followed by at least 100 months of refinement on the lees, after which the remuage is done by hand. The result is a sparkling wine characterised by a beautiful, brilliant golden yellow colour and a very fine perlage. On the nose, the scents of panettone and candied fruit stand out, with elegant notes of honey and fruit in syrup. On the palate, however, it is elegant and well-structured, with fresh citrus notes accompanying a full, clean finish. Thanks to the very low dosage, this sparkling wine is also perfect throughout a meal. Try it with the classic saffron risotto.