1. Forbes Articles.
This piece matches an article I just published in Forbes titled How An Insult Created A Sparkling Wine Appellation In Piedmont, Italy.
2. Dinners and Wines in Piemonte, Italy.
During a recent visit to the Piedmont region of Italy I shared a few splendid dinners with known allies and new faces. This is white truffle season, so plenty of those flakes were shaved onto dishes.
Ristorante Balzi Rossi, Roddi.
Four Course Dinner.
Zucca & parmigiano; Pumpkin & Parmesan cheese
Riso porti, salvia, Alta Langa e Tartufo Bianco d’Alba; Rice, leeks, sage, Alta Langa sparkling wine and Alba white truffles
Ricciola sugo di pollo arrosto, cavolfiore, olandese; Amberjack, roast chicken sauce with cauliflower and hollandaise
Mela rossa di Cuneo & riz au lait; Cuneo red apple & rice pudding
Wines.
Banfi. Cuvée Aurora. Alta Langa DOCG. 2020.
Cocchi. Bianc ‘D Bianc. Brut. Alta Langa DOCG. 2017.
Enrico Serafino. Zero de Saignée. Riserva pas dosé. 2018.
Severina. Alta Langa DOCG Rosé.
Ettore Germano. Riserva Blanc de Noir. Alta Langa DOCG. 2015.
Gancia. Vermouth di Torino.
Ristorante Guido, Fontanafredda, Serralunga d’Albla, Piemonte.
Four Course Dinner.
L’uovo bianco di Alessandro Varesio in camicia con patate della Val Varaita a parmigiano reggiano Gennari stagionato 24 mesi; Alessandro Varesio’s poached white egg with Val Varaita potatoes and 24-month aged Gennari parmesan cheese
Agnolotti di Lidia al sugo d’arrosto e un assaggio dei tradizionali plin al tovagliolo; Lidia’s agnolotti with roast sauce and a taste of traditional plin al tovagliolo
Guancia di vitello de ‘La Granda’ brasata con salsa tartufata; ‘La Granda’ braised veal cheek with truffle sauce
Gelato al fiordilatte mantecato al momento can latte della vacca bianca piemontese dell’alta Valle Stura e zabaione al moscato; Fiordilatte ice cream freshly whipped with milk from the Piedmontese white cow of the upper Stura Valley and muscat zabaglione
3. Wine Notes, Scores, Value Evaluations.
Below 76 Alta Langa DOCG sparkling wines are listed with tasting notes, scores and value evaluations. Value evaluations are based on my own proprietary Vino Value Algorithm (more about that here, or by clicking the tab above).
NA, or Not Applicable, is listed when the local wine price is not specified.
| Winery | Wine | Vintage | Dosage | Point Score | Local Price Without VAT | VinoValue Evaluation | Tasting Notes |
| Terrabianca | 2021 | extra brut | 90 | € 17.50 | Floral aromas that include roses. Creamy body, bright acidity. Well balanced. | ||
| Ferraris Agricola | Tenuta Santa Chiara | 2021 | brut | 90 | NA | Bright and powerful aromas in this medium body wine with a bright citrus finish. | |
| Vite Colte | Cinquecento | 2021 | brut | 91 | NA | 90/20 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Creamy, oaky, buttery aromas. Bright acidity. Chewy mid palate with flavors of green apples. | |
| Carlin de Paolo | 2020 | pas dosè | 90-91 | € 19.50 | Spunky and powerful aromas of caramel and toast. Linear mid palate with flavors of green apples on the finish. | ||
| Cerrino | 2020 | pas dosè | 90-91 | € 16.00 | Good Value♫ | Creamy, harmonious, enticing, nutty aromas. Fruity body with crisp acidity. | |
| Fabio Perrone | 2020 | pas dosè | 90 | € 18.00 | NA | 100% Pinot Noir. Aromas of green grass and caramel. Somethwat linear mid palate with bright acidity. | |
| Garesio | 2020 | pas dosè | 90 | € 17.00 | 100% Pinot Noir. Aromas of butterscrotch, buttered toast, limes and green apples. Bright lime acidity on the finish. | ||
| LHV Avezza | 2020 | pas dosè | 90-91 | NA | Aromas include butter, caramel, mandarins and limes. Full and generous mid palate. Slightly complex with a nutty finish. | ||
| Mauro Sebaste | Avremo | 2020 | pas dosè | 90-91 | NA | 80/20 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Aromas of butter and lime. Clean acidity mid palate. Precise and focused flavors. | |
| Pecchenino | Psea | 2020 | pas dosè | 90-91 | € 15.90 | Good Value♫ | 55/45 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Clean, bright and acidic aromas. Fruity and slightly complex mid palate. |
| Pianbello | Orme | 2020 | pas dosè | 91 | € 17.90 | Good Value♫ | Generous and varied aromas that include mandarins, limes and slight caramel. In the mouth – clean acidity with harmonious balance. Fresh, though somewhat linear. |
| Rizzi | 2020 | pas dosè | 90-91 | € 16.50 | Good Value♫ | 85/15 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Attractively crisp and clean aromas of limes, butterscrotch, lemon grass and candy cane. Generous and complex mid palate. | |
| Banfi | Cuvée Aurora | 2020 | extra brut | 90-91 | € 17.50 | Good Value♫ | Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend. Creamy, layered, complex aromas that include butter and nuts. Medium body with flavors not quite as compelling as the aromas. |
| Bera | Bera Blanc | 2020 | extra brut | 91 | € 27.00 | 100% Chardonnay. Nutty and buttery, aromas include hazelnuts and lime. Crisp acidity with fine and focused tropicals and a pleasing finish that includes a slight flavor of toffee. | |
| Daffara & Grasso | 2020 | extra brut | 90 | NA | 70/30 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Nutty aromas. Bright acidity with spearmint flavors on the finish. | ||
| Ettore Germano | 2020 | extra brut | 91-92 | € 18.50 | Excellent Value♫♫ | Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend. Coaxing and sexy aromas of caramel and toffee as well as peppermint, mango and lemon. A pleasing, generous, complex and harmonious wine with mid palate flavors that include lemongrass and tropicals. | |
| Ivaldi | Andrea | 2020 | extra brut | 90-91 | NA | Slightly complex aromas of rum and butter. Hefty body with an oily mouth feel. Balanced but somewhat linear flavors. | |
| La Fusina | 2020 | extra brut | 91+ | € 17.00 | Excellent Value♫♫ | 100% Pinot Nor. Creamy and ebullient aromas of lemongrass, guava, spearmint, lime and lemon. Beautiful mouthful of balanced, varied flavors that include toast and butterscotch; sparky acidity on the finish. | |
| Marco Capra | Seitremenda | 2020 | extra brut | 91 | € 19.50 | Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend. Brisk, acidic, tangy aromas of green apples, green grass, lime, brioche and toast. Pleasing creamy mid palate, slighlyt complex with a buttery finish. | |
| Marziano Abbona | 2020 | extra brut | 91+ | NA | Bright aromas of florals that include lilacs, as well as guava and butterscotch. Layered with crisp acidity, tropical flavors mid palate as well as slight brioche. | ||
| Massimo Rivetti | 2020 | extra brut | 91-92 | NA | Brisk, bright, layered and complex aromas that include white pears and prunes, spearmint and chestnuts. A lovely, balanced mid palate, Crisp and focused acidity. This will make you salivate. | ||
| Matteo Correggia | Severina | 2020 | extra brut | 91 | NA | 50/50 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Clean aromas of guavas, spearmint, slight peppermint. Fresh mid palate and a buttery finish that is slightly complex. | |
| Monsignore | 2020 | extra brut | 91 | NA | 50/50 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Aromas of pineapple, sandalwood and teak. Clean mouthful with a syrupy finish. Fine acidity, generous mid palate that is balanced and clean. | ||
| Roccasanta | 2020 | extra brut | 92 | NA | Light and fluffy aromas include tropicals and spearmint, lime and mint. Balanced and lovely, luscious mid palate with flavors of brioche, mint, mangos. Firm and bright acidity. | ||
| Terre del Barolo | Vinum Vita Est | 2020 | extra brut | 92 | NA | Fine and attractive aromas include spearmint, brioche, tropicals as well as caramel and toffee. Clean and compelling balanced mid palate with fresh tropical fruits and bread dough. Luscious caramel flavor on the finish. | |
| Vallebelbo | Collezione ’56 | 2020 | extra brut | 92 | € 16.90 | Excellent Value♫♫ | 85/15 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Bright, complex and forthright aromas of spearmint, guava, mango, pineapples, some salinity and caramel. A light, fresh and balanced sparkling wine with bright acidity, mid palate and toffee on the finish. |
| Araldica | Il Cascinone Alasia | 2020 | brut | 92 | NA | Full bouquet of fresh flower aromas including lilacs and bluebells, as well as tropical fruits – mango, pineapple. Well integrated mid palate with flavors of tropicals as well as some toast and butter on the finish. | |
| Cascina Cerutti | Cuvée Enrico Cerutti | 2020 | brut | 91-92 | NA | Sparky, flinty, boisterous aromas of Queen of the Night, mangos, guavas and limes. Deliciously well balanced with flavors of butter and mangos. Clean acidity. | |
| Colombo | Blanc de Blancs | 2020 | brut | 91-92 | € 22.95 | Good Value♫ | Fun, fresh, sparky spearmint aromas as well as lime, lemons and juicy fruit. Full rounded mouthful, not scintillating but somewhat complex. Bright acidity. |
| Cuvage | 2020 | brut | 92 | NA | Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend. Creamy aromas of lime, spearmint, fresh baguette. A pleasant mouthful that is rich and complex with flavors that include tropicals and caramel. Pair with grilled honey glazed pork or chicken. Gastronomic wine. | ||
| Deltetto | 2020 | brut | 91-92 | NA | Clean, generous aromas of tropicals and florals as well as wet granite, gorse, lime and peppermint. Full, rich, supple mid palate with an oily mouth feel. Hefty and yet also delicate. | ||
| Fontanafredda | Limited Edition | 2020 | brut | 92 | € 18.90 | Excellent Value♫♫ | Generous aromas that include caramel, buttered toast, slight anise and salinity. A sweet and full mouthful that is balanced, poised with bright acidity, tropicals flavors and a slight mandarin finish. |
| Garbarino Roberto | La Sorgente | 2020 | brut | 92+ | NA | 100% Pinot Noir. Rich aromas of caramel, butterscotch, chestnuts, mint and mango. Rich mid palate with fine flavors that include lime, brioche and pineapple. Delicate and with finesse. Clean acidity. | |
| Paolo Berutti | 2020 | brut | 92+ | NA | Almost spicy aromas that include salt, petrol and tropicals. Lovely mid palate that is full, creamy, balanced and filled with a complex array of flavors including mint; nuttiness on finish. | ||
| Reva | Solonoir | 2020 | brut | 92 | NA | Buttery and butterscotch aromas, as well as guava and gooseberries. Creamy and tropical laden mid palate. Juicy acidity. A zesty and playful wine to sip before dinner. | |
| Sara Vezza | 2020 | brut | 91 | NA | Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend. Aromas of butter, peanuts, lime zest and lemon grass. Pleasing mid palate that includes flavors of guava and some bread dough. | ||
| Tenuta Carretta | Airali | 2020 | brut | 92+ | € 17.50 | Superlative Value ♫♫♫ | Wispy, feather light and creamy aromas of light tropicals as well as green grass. Delightful mid palate with clean acidity, sparky tropical flavors as well as some caramel and brioche. Touché! |
| Vinchio Vaglio | 2020 | brut | 92+ | NA | Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend. Sparky aromas of spearmint, salt, lime and menthol. Rich mid palate with flavors that include tropicals, guava, brioche and nuttiness. | ||
| Agricola TT | 2020 | 92.5 | € 16.00 | Superlative Value ♫♫♫ | Sexy and rounded aromas that include caramel, toffee, brioche and chestnuts. Beautiful mid palate that is complex, rich and layered. Includes a backdrop of tropicals behind mid palate flavors that include baguette and toffee. | ||
| Pasquale Pelissero | 2019 | pas dosè | 91-92 | NA | Bright and flinty aromas of lime, mint and lemongrass as well as peanuts and salinity. A fine mouthful of light flavors. Not nuanced but includes a creamy finish and sparking acidity. | ||
| Tenuta Rocca | 2019 | extra brut | 92 | € 16.50 | Excellent Value♫♫ | Pinot Noir and Freisa. Aromas of toffee, caramel, green apples and mangos. A balanced and delicate mid palate with green apples, slight lime and charming nuttiness. Pair with honey glazed duck. | |
| Coppo | Riserva Coppo | 2019 | extra brut | 91-92 | NA | 80/20 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Ocean fresh aromas of salinity, green apples, mint, pineapples slices and mangos. A fun fruity mid palate with a nutty finish; agreeable for a pre-dinner sparkler. | |
| Abrigo Fratelli | Sivà | 2019 | brut | 91-92 | € 22.25 | Excellent Value♫♫ | 100% Chardonnay. Rich and nutty aromas that also include mandarin slices and guava. Charming zesty and well balanced mid palate that includes tropicals – pineapples – and bright, frothy acidity. |
| Bera | Bera Brut | 2019 | brut | 91-92 | NA | 100% Chardonnay. Complex aromas of nuts, mangos, passionfruit, gooseberries and sliced lime. Balanced and poised mid palate with tropical zest. Slight complexity and fruit driven. | |
| La Torre | 2019 | brut | 90-91 | NA | Nutty, creamy aromas of tropical fruits, cedar and petrol. An earthy and unique mid palate with crunchy nutty flavors. | ||
| Rapalino | Anniversario 1999 | 2018 | pas dosè | 91 | NA | 50/50 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Citric aromas of mandarins and mangos. Clean mid palate that is poised and balanced. Rather than being nuanced or complex, this provides easy drinking with focused flavors. | |
| Gancia | Cuvée 36 mesi | 2018 | pas dosè | 92 | € 20.00 | Good Value♫ | Aromas of cedar, bark, caramel and brioche as well as some guava and spearmint. A rich and delicious mid palate with zesty acidity. Pair with scallops. |
| Enrico Serafino | Zero – Riserva | 2018 | pas dosè | 91 | NA | Buttery aromas with slight cedar and tropicals. Full, rich mid palate with developed layers of fruit. Fun and easy drinking. | |
| Cocchi | Bianc ‘d Bianc | 2018 | brut | 92 | € 23.00 | Good Value♫ | Nutty, complex aromas include brioche, toffee, caramel, pineapples and gooseberries. Light, clean, lambent flavors including white pears and lime. |
| Tosti1820 | Giulio I | 2018 | brut | 92 | € 16.00 | Excellent Value♫♫ | 100% Pinot Noir. Zesty commanding aromas of flint, grapefruit, pineapple, menthol and toffee. Lovely and luscious mid palate with clean and focused acidity, tropical flavors and slight menthol on the finish. |
| Abrigo Fratelli | Sivà 60 mesi – Riserva | 2018 | brut | 92-93 | NA | Spunky aromas of brown sugar, golden syrup and mint. A sparky mid palate that is complex, energetic, with flashing acidity and boisterous tropical flavors. | |
| Poderi Cusmano | Tenute Rade | 2017 | pas dosè | 92 | € 25.00 | 70/30 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Clean aromas of white pears, sliced white grapes, green grass and salinity as well as sandalwood. Lovely light and refreshing mid palate with flavors of green apples and slight bread dough on the finish. | |
| Banfi | Cuvée Aurora Blamc de Noirs – Riserva | 2017 | pas dosè | 91-92 | € 26.00 | Dense aromas that include spearmint, lemon, brioche and gooseberries. A clean and well balanced mid palate with flavors of pineapple, green apples and guava. Firm and bright acidity. | |
| Cocchi | Blanc de Noirs – Riserva | 2017 | pas dosè | 91-92 | NA | Nutty and caramel aromas that include green grass, greeen apples, mango and butterscotch. Complex and intriguing. Clean and well balanced med palate with flavors of green apples and peaches. | |
| Fontanafredda | Vigna Gatinera 72 mesi Blanc de Noirs – Riserva | 2017 | pas dosè | 91 | NA | Bright and forthright aromas of green grass, lime, lemongrass. Bright acidity mid palate, zesty fruits. Easy drinking rather than complex. Well balanced. | |
| Ettore Germano | 65mesi Blanc de Blancs – Riserva | 2016 | pas dosè | 90 | NA | Aromas of olive oil, gorse, green grass. Firm acidity. | |
| Poderi Cusmano | Tenute Rade – Riserva | 2015 | pas dosè | 92 | € 30.00 | Nutty and smoky aromas that include coffee, caramel, bread dough, menthol and cranberries. Layered and complex. A minty mid palate with slightly askew flavors that provide intrigue. Nutty finish. Compelling and distinct. | |
| Daffara & Grasso | 90 mesi – Riserva | 2014 | pas dosè | 90-91 | NA | 70/30 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Ocean breeze of fresh, zesty and complex aromas that include sultanas, golden syrup, gooseberries, toffee and menthol. Zesty mid palate. | |
| Gancia | Cuvée 60 mesi – Riserva | 2013 | brut | 91-92 | € 28.00 | NA | Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend. Breezy and fresh aromas of pineapple, mangos and a hint of caramel and nuts. Balanced mid palate, zesty and fresh acidity, easy drinking. |
| Tosti1820 | Giulio I 100 mesi – Riserva | 2012 | extra brut | 93 | € 21.00 | Superlative Value ♫♫♫ | 100% Pinot Noir. Toffee covered green apple aromas, as well as sourdough and lemons. Lovely and polished mid palate with flavors of white pears, caramel and butterscotch. Bravo to this gastronomic wine! |
| Enrico Serafino | Zero 140 mesi – Riserva | 2011 | pas dosè | 92-93 | NA | Bright and uplfiting aromas that include pineapple, guava, gooseberries and mint. A frothy, sexy, captivating wine that is balanced, nuanced, complex, fresh and with delicate but bright acidity. | |
| Garbarino Roberto | L’istinto rosé | 2020 | pas dosè | 92 | NA | Delicate floral and fresh tropical aromas, as well as brioche and baguette. Deliciously light but still firm array of flavors that include green apples, red plums, raspberries. Balanced with with brisk acidity. Easy drinking. | |
| Banfi | Cuvée Aurora rosé | 2020 | extra brut | 93-94 | € 18.50 | Superlative Value ♫♫♫ | Captivating tropical aromas that include pineapples and passionfruit as well as honey. Light, fluffy, delicious mid palate in a wine that is beautifully easy drinking, well balanced, delicious and filled with tropical flavors as well as brioche. Balanced and gastronomic. |
| Ivaldi | Andrea Rosé | 2020 | extra brut | 92-93 | NA | Hawaiian Punch red fruit aromas as well as spearmint, fresh bread dough, red plums and raspberries. Textured, nuanced, layered, beautiful array of fruit and fresh dough. Pair with an appetizer of shrimp and sliced avocados. | |
| Massimo Rivetti | Rosé | 2020 | extra brut | 93-94 | NA | A luxurious set of aromas that include guava, green apples, white pears, red plums, peaches and honey. Layered, complex and with bright acidity. Beautiful and buoyant mid palate! Complex, rich flavors of red and white fruits, succulent acidity. Gastronomic wine, but can also be for pre-dinner. | |
| Araldica | Il Cascinone Alasia Rosé | 2020 | brut | 93 | NA | Aromas of cola and raspberries, lemongrass and lime. Juicy acidity. Wholesome full bodied and well balanced mid palate with flavors of pineapple, mango, kiwi fruit, guava and fresh bread. Gastronomic. Rich and delicious. | |
| Colombo | Rosé | 2020 | brut | 93-94 | € 22.95 | Superlative Value ♫♫♫ | 100% Pinot Noir. Snappy aromas of lemongrass, green apples, raspberries and red plums. Structured and layered with firm, juicy acidity. Mid palate flavors include red plums, with a flash of caramel on the finish. Festive, generous, delicious. |
| Pianbello | Pianbé rosé | 2020 | brut | 93-94 | € 17.90 | Superlative Value ♫♫♫ | Fresh, festive, breezy and light aromas that are fluffy and enticing and include caramel, allspice, lime and red plums. Full and oily mouthful of red cherries, raspberries, limes and with nuttiness on the finish. Deliciously balanced. |
| Cocchi | Rosa rosé | 2019 | brut | 93 | € 23.00 | Excellent Value♫♫ | This will take your breathe away. Fresh and breezy aromas of florals that include lilacs, as well as menthol, gooseberries, lime and white pears. Deliciously well balanced mid palate with, generous layered flavors of fruit with bright acidity. |
| Tosti1820 | Rachele rosé | 2019 | brut | 91-92 | € 19.00 | Good Value♫ | 100% Pinot Noir. Pungent and slightly unusual aromas of melon and menthol, A rollicking mouthful of both angular and rounded flavors. Sort of a tactile rodeo. Flavors of bright raspberries, limes, gooseberries and grapefruit. |
| Rapalino | Intenzione rosé | 2018 | pas dosè | 91 | NA | Sparky aromas of cola, cranberries and pineapple chunks. A well balanced wine, though easy drinking rather than nuanced, with generous acidity and distinct fruit flavors. | |
| Enrico Serafino | Zero de Saignée riserva rosé | 2018 | pas dosè | 92 | NA | Candied aromas here with gumballs, aniseed, honey and cola. Well balanced fruit and juicy acidity. Light and layered flavors of menthol and tropicals with a pineapple honey edge on the finish. | |
| Matteo Correggia | Severina rosé | 2018 | extra brut | 93 | NA | 85/15 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay. Light colored golden rosé. Succulent caramel aromas that are complex, rich and layered. Beautiful complex toffee apple flavors; zesty acidity, fresh pomegranate and raspberry flavors. Delicious. | |
| Fontanafredda | Contessa Rosa | 2018 | brut | 92 – 93 | € 29.90 | Color of a Sauvignon Blanc. Bright and focused aromas of white pears, peaches and mint. Complex and focused with clean aromas. Easy drinking with flavors of green apples and peaches. Zesty acidity. | |
| Marcalberto. | 2020 | extra brut | 91+ | € 18.50 | Excellent Value♫♫ | 70/30 blend of Pinot Noir/Chardonnay aged in oak and steel for 36 months. Bright acidity, balanced, fine, focused flavors with green apples and grapefruit. A rich wine. | |
| Marcalberto. | Blancdeblanc | 2020 | extra brut | 93 | € 20.00 | Superlative Value ♫♫♫ | Rich, crisp, mineral, graphite, pumpelmousse, lime and fresh dough aromas. Creamy and yet angular bright acidity with kiwi, mandarin and gooseberry flavors. |
