Parcellaire Extra Brut Alta Langa DOCG

Vineyard and terroir

Parcellaire is assembled from selected parcels in different municipalities of the Alta Langa hills. The parcels were chosen to express the appellation’s characteristically incisive profile. The vines are 15–25 years old, grow at 400–450 metres above sea level on clay-limestone soils, and face west or northwest. They are Guyot-trained and cultivated under sustainable viticulture practices.

Grapes

Millesimato 2020 is composed of 95% Pinot Nero and 5% Chardonnay.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested entirely by hand, then the bunches are hand-selected on a vibrating sorting table. Pressing takes place in an inert nitrogen environment and yields 55% free-run must. Screw conveyors are avoided throughout this process to handle the fruit as gently as possible.

The must ferments in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats. It then remains on its lees in steel for 6 months with bâtonnage.

Secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the traditional method. Following disgorgement, the liqueur d’expédition is prepared from reserve wines and sugar, without the addition of spirits. The deliberately restrained dosage is intended to preserve the connection between the wine and its place of origin.

Ageing

The wine matures on its lees in bottle for 36 months. Two disgorgements are carried out for each vintage.

Technical data

• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Residual sugar/dosage: 4.5 g/L
• Dosage category: Extra Brut
• Free-run must yield: 55%
• Winemaker: Paolo Giacosa

Tasting profile

Light straw yellow with golden reflections and a fine, persistent perlage. The nose is complex, attractive and crisp, combining floral notes with white-fleshed fruit, bread crust and mineral nuances. The palate is complex, vertical, vibrant and elegant, with citrus-fruit character, a rich full-bodied structure and a long mineral finish. Its incisive Alta Langa character is shaped by the parcel-based assemblage.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 4–6 °C. It works particularly well as an aperitif and can also accompany an entire meal. Cellaring potential is 6–7 years.

Vintage notes

The 2020 season began with a mild winter. March and April brought fine weather and little rainfall, while substantial rain in May and June slowed vegetative development before conditions returned to balance. The vintage produced wines marked by intense, elegant aromas and strong overall balance.

Label / history

Parcel-based vinification has been used for Parcellaire since the creation of the Alta Langa DOCG. Its name and identity reflect the selection and assemblage of parcels chosen to convey the denomination’s particularly incisive character.