Alta Langa Metodo Classico is among the newest of the DOCGs in Piedmont, north-western Italy. Created in 2011, the title is the region's first to specialize in champagne-style sparkling white wines made using the Metodo Classico (methode traditionelle) technique. While sparkling Moscato d'Asti and Asti Spumante have been made here for many years, the character of both these famous wines differs significantly from Champagne. The differences are due to the particular aroma lent by the Muscat grapes and the specific winemaking techniques used in their production.
Naturally, to recreate a champagne-style wine, at least one of the great champagne grapes must be used in its production. Fortunately the local terroir (142 communes all over southern Piedmont are covered by this DOC) is well suited to both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, so these are the two grapes on which Alta Langa sparkling wines are based. Pinot Meunier is an obvious omission from this uvaggio, although not one which will necessarily reduce wine quality in any way.
As with champagne, these sparkling wines are left to rest on their lees (three months is the minimum period required under DOC law) prior to secondary fermentation.
The Alta Langa Metodo Classico DOC is such a recent addition to Piedmont's already impressive array of DOCGs that it has yet to establish a characteristic style. As such it is impossible, for now, to comment on the quality and style of these wines.
