Alta Langa, from the “Underground Cathedrals” of Canelli to the Reggia di Venaria, UNESCO “gems”

The historical sparkling wine of Piedmont, Alta Langa DOCG, has produced 3 million bottles since the 2022 harvest, and has an important legacy. It is the first Classic Method produced in Italy, beginning in the mid-nineteenth century. It comes from the French Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines, either by themselves or together in varying percentages, long aging on the lees, at least 30 months, exclusively vintage, i.e., the result of a single harvest, very important for the wine. It is based on the Champagne model and the Champenoise method, “exported” by the Gancia brothers in the “Underground Cathedrals” of Canelli, paving the way for many other local producers in the early twentieth century, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Langhe, Roero and Monferrato.
It is a historic, “literary” territory, embracing 377 hectares of hills planted with vines in Asti, Cuneo and Alessandria (another 220 hectares will be added in the three-year period 2023-2025), viewing the snow-capped peaks of the Alps as well as breathing the sea air. It has been the theater of resistance to wars and cultures, and has faced changes by indulging them while keeping its historical memory and identity alive and strong. The territory has won a large bet - its wine will not be ready until six years after planting the vineyards , and this is the reason it must continue to be important, and linked to the excellent products of its land, starting with the White Truffle of Alba. But also, the Piedmont design of the “Terra” chalice designed, not by coincidence, by Italdesign, following a long time collaboration that began with Maestro Giorgetto Giugiaro. Further, riding the wave of passion for Italian bubbles has led to +67% sales in 2022 compared to 2021, and 10% export share, which can only grow, and a lot. There are many “secrets of success” of the “Alta Piemonte bubbles”, which were revealed at “La Prima dell'Alta Langa 2023”, on May 8th, in the eighteenth-century Galleria Grande of the Reggia di Venaria Reale, which is yet another “Unesco gem” in Piedmont, background of the grand tasting of all the Cuvées currently on the market. The 5th edition of the event was organized by the Alta Langa Consortium, counting more than 60 sparkling wine houses and 90 winegrowers, and where the “Previews” of Italian wine continue. It is an extraordinary location, of the same caliber as the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan and the private Italdesign Museum in Moncalieri. The event was reserved for an audience of professionals who “year after year, edition after edition, have grown and improved together with our team”, Mariacristina Castelletta, president of the Alta Langa Consortium, explained, “La Prima dell’Alta Langa” is a not to be missed opportunity to taste a very wide selection of “Alta Piemontese bubbles”, meet and dialogue with the producers and be fully in touch with the spirit of a Denomination in continuous development, in Italy and beyond”.
There were over 140 different wines of Classic Method Alta Langa DOCG sparkling wines in the glasses, including whites and rosés, Brut and Pas Dosé, Reserves and large formats from 60 producers: Anna Maria Abbona, Brandini, Banfi, Bera, Bosca, Eredi, Mirafiore, Giulio Cocchi, Giuseppe Contratto, Coppo ,Enrico Serafino, the Gancia Brothers, Fontanafredda, Ettore Germano, Marcalberto, Pecchenino, Tenuta Carretta, Terre del Barolo, Tosti 1820, Sara Vezza and Vite Colte, to name just a few. They were also the stars of the Masterclasses dedicated to “Great vintages and long refinements”, tasting the rare and very long aged Alta Langa DOCG Cuvées, obviously in the precious “Terra” glass.