Alta Langa Extra Brut 'Cuvée Aurora' Banfi 2019

The Alta Langa Extra Brut 'Cuvée Aurora' by the renowned Banfi winery is a Piedmontese Metodo Classico sparkling wine with a dry, mineral taste and excellent balance. Banfi winery, known for its extensive production in Tuscany and Piedmont, was among the seven historic estates that, in 1990, embarked on the so-called "Method Classico Sparkling Wine Project in Piedmont," reclaiming the regional origin of the first Italian Metodo Classico and starting to produce great sparkling wines in the region with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. In 1997, the first 'Cuvée Aurora' was created, even before the establishment of the Alta Langa DOC in 2002, followed by the achievement of DOCG status with the 2008 harvest.

The 'Cuvée Aurora' Banfi Alta Langa Extra Brut is made from a blend of Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) grapes grown on marly-calcareous hillside soils. The grapes are handpicked and then gently pressed, followed by alcoholic fermentation of the must in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Subsequently, the base sparkling wine is bottled and supplemented with tirage syrup for refermentation using the Metodo Classico, with at least 30 months of aging on the lees before disgorging and subsequent Extra Brut dosage, with approximately 4 g/l of residual sugars.

Banfi's Alta Langa 'Cuvée Aurora' Extra Brut has a straw-yellow color with a fine and persistent effervescence. The nose offers fascinating hints of candied cedar, sage, and toasted hazelnut, accompanied by notes of yeast and vanilla reminiscent of baked goods. The palate enjoys excellent balance between the full and elegant mousse and the citrusy freshness that anticipates the pleasant dry and mineral finish.