Less well-known than Prosecco or Franciacorta, Alta Langa is a sparkling wine produced in three communes of Piemonte in the North-West corner of Italy. There is a long sparkling wine tradition in the area, with records showing that the first Metodo Classico wine in Italy was produced here in the mid-nineteenth century. However, it has only been formalised
recently, gaining D.O.C. status in 2002 and D.O.C.G. in 2011.
The two grape varieties permitted are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wines can be made from one or both of these varieties. Currently plantings are two thirds Pinot Noir to one third Chardonnay. The wines are always from a single vintage. They are made by the classic method and aged for a minimum of 30 months on the lees. The wines can be white or rosé, dosé or pas dosé.
There are currently some eighty-six producers and ninety associated growers, producing over three million bottle each year from four hundred and fifty-five hectares. Some of the producers will be familiar to Barolo lovers with names such as Fontanafredda, Serafino and Germano.
I visited Alba recently where I tasted 74 Alta Langa wines blind. Overall, the standard was high, the wines having good clean fresh fruit and plenty of refreshing acidity. Some had more developed notes of brioche and toasted almonds. I enclose my top twelve wines from the tasting.
