The history and production areas of Alta Langa 

The Langhe is a land of excellent wines and gastronomic delicacies appreciated worldwide, one of the favourite wine destinations for lovers of viticulture from all over the world. Spumante Alta Langa is a Metodo Classico wine produced in Piedmont, and represents one of the points of excellence of this important wine region. In particular, Alta Langa, as the name itself suggests, involves the renowned wine-growing area of the Langhe, and in particular the provinces of Asti, Cuneo and Alessandria. The winemaking tradition is carried on by a small number of growers, producing relatively limited quantities according to a strict production protocol. It has time-honoured origins, dating back to the early 19th century, when the Counts of Sambuy began to introduce cultivation of the French varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to create an Italian Metodo Classico on the model of Champagne. In the mid-19th century Carlo Gancia began to experiment using these varieties and from here the culture of second fermentation in the bottle spread throughout Piedmont. From a first “Metodo Classico Spumante Project” in Piedmont, a more clearly structured plan was then developed, leading to the creation of experimental vineyards that went into production in 1994. The excellent results led to the creation of the Alta Langa production protocol and the designation. 

Terroir and varieties 

As required by the production protocol, the varieties allowed for the production of Spumante Alta Langa are exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir accounting for a minimum of 90%, and a small, optional addition of non-aromatic native white grape varieties from Piedmont. The Spumante version can be produced in both white and rosé versions, or as a Riserva with longer ageing on the lees. Alta Langa spumantes are characterized by being mainly produced in the vintage version, only in the best years, a factor that makes these sparkling wines stand out from the crowd as much more stylish and elegant. The grapes come from vineyards grown at a minimum altitude of 250 metres above sea level, with a vine density of 4,000 vines per hectare, on limestone-marl and limestone-clay soils. These soil and climatic characteristics allow the creation of mineral, firmly structured wines. As required by the production protocol, Alta Langa sparkling wines require slow ageing on the lees for a minimum of 30 months for the base version, and up to 36 months for the Riserva. 

Production technique and protocol 

Spumante Alta Langa, being an artisanal wine, involves manual harvest of the grapes through the selection of the best bunches, which preserve their sensory qualities to the full. Fermentation is in stainless steel, and before bottling a blend of different base wines is used to create the cuvée, followed by slow ageing on the lees. The final stages of vinification include, as required by the production protocol for the Metodo Classico and the designation, remuage, moving the bottles by means of daily rotations and disgorgement, to achieve the natural elimination of the sediments created during the ageing period. 

Alta Langa: ideal pairing 

A glass of Alta Langa can perfectly accompany typical Piedmontese specialities. The white version is ideal as an aperitif, and also goes well with appetizers and pasta or rice dishes containing fish and seafood or truffles. The rosé version, when firmly structured, goes well with braised and stewed red meats, but why not be more daring and try a more unusual pairing, such as lentils and cotechino, fondue, or vegetable flan. The Alta Langa Consortium has also promoted the creation of a special wine glass, the perfect accessory for serving its “pride of Piedmont” Spumante. This designer object created by Giorgetto Giugiaro has a narrow base that widens to enhance the aromas of the wine.