Vineyard and terroir

The Pinot Noir comes from vineyards in Mango, Loazzolo and Bubbio, at elevations of 450–550 metres above sea level. The sites face east, southeast, west and northwest and have clay-limestone soils. The vines are 20–25 years old, trained to Guyot and farmed according to sustainable viticulture practices.

Grapes

100% Pinot Noir. The 2019 vintage is a Riserva Metodo Classico millesimato.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested entirely by hand. Whole bunches are then hand-sorted on a vibrating table and gently pressed in an inert nitrogen environment, producing a 45% yield of free-run must. Screw conveyors are excluded from the process to minimise handling of the fruit.

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

Ageing

Secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the traditional method, followed by extended lees ageing and late disgorgement. Four disgorgements are carried out for each vintage. The main wine page gives a minimum of 60 months on the lees. The vinification section of the 2019 technical sheet gives a minimum of 72 months, while the same sheet’s summary table states 60 months.

No liqueur d’expédition is added after disgorgement, leaving the wine Pas Dosé at 0 g/L sugar. The style is full-bodied and shows no oak influence.

Technical data

Vintage: 2019
Classification: Alta Langa DOCG Riserva Pas Dosé
Method: Metodo Classico, vintage-dated, with late disgorgement
Winemaker: Paolo Giacosa
Alcohol: 12.5% vol.
Residual sugar: 0 g/L
Free-run must yield: 45%
Recommended cellaring: 10–15 years

Tasting profile

Light straw yellow, with a fine and persistent stream of bubbles. The broad, complex and deep bouquet combines linden blossom, honey, ripe white fruit, citrus and bread crust. The palate is complex and multifaceted, full-bodied, elegant and intense, with a vibrant texture, close correspondence between aroma and flavour, and a very long mineral finish.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 4–6 °C. Suitable as an aperitif and with shellfish.

Vintage notes

The 2019 season began slowly after a prolonged winter. Rain in April and cool temperatures in May restored a more traditional pace to the growing cycle. Heat during June and July, together with moisture retained in the soil, encouraged rapid vegetative growth. August was mild with useful rainfall, and harvest began at the customary time. The fruit was healthy and showed slightly higher-than-average acidity; the red grapes also accumulated high anthocyanin levels and developed an excellent polyphenolic profile.

Label / history

ZERO was the first Pas Dosé wine within the Alta Langa appellation. Its identity rests on extended lees ageing, late disgorgement and the decision to use no liqueur d’expédition, allowing the character of the Alta Langa terroir to remain unobscured.