About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from high-altitude vineyards in the Langhe of Alba and Asti, planted at 400–650 metres above sea level with south and south-west exposures. The soils combine white clay, sand and calcareous marl. Vines are Guyot trained at a density of 5,000 plants per hectare, and harvest begins in early September.
Grapes
Pinot Nero and Chardonnay.
Vinification
Pinot Nero is chilled to 12°C and placed in the press as whole bunches, where it remains for approximately 12–13 hours. Gentle pressing follows the maceration. The resulting must settles in steel tanks for 24 hours at 5–6°C before racking. Alcoholic fermentation then begins and lasts about one month at 15–17°C.
Ageing
The wine remains on its fine lees until the following spring. In May it undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle, followed by 60 months of maturation on the yeasts in the cool, dark and protected cellar environment, following the traditional method.
Technical data
Alcohol: 12.5% vol. Available formats: 0.75 L, 1.5 L and 3 L.
Tasting profile
Pale pink with onion-skin highlights. The bouquet combines orange blossom, pomegranate, chinotto and black plum with ginger, nutmeg, lavender, basil and a background note of custard. The bubbles are fine and persistent. Acidity and a subtle sweet impression remain balanced, while mineral and savoury sensations lead into a citrus finish.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 6–8°C. Suitable as an aperitif and sufficiently versatile to accompany every course of a meal.
Label / history
Contessa Rosa is dedicated to Countess Rosa Vercellana, known as “Bela Rusin.” The cuvée is distinguished by an expedition liqueur containing drops of 1967 Barolo DOC, conceived to unite aromatic freshness with the complexity associated with Barolo.
