Alta Langa Rosé Brut Riserva 'Contessa Rosa' Fontanafredda 2017

The Alta Langa Rosé Brut Riserva 'Contessa Rosa' from the historic Piedmont winery Fontanafredda is a Metodo Classico sparkling wine that stands out for its fragrant fruity and floral aromatic profile. This bottle is dedicated to Countess Rosa Vercellana, known in Piedmont as 'la Bela Rosin', mistress and later morganatic wife of King Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy. He granted her the noble titles of Countess of Mirafiori and of Fontanafredda, a territory in the municipality of Serralunga d'Alba where the winery of the same name stands, which was the King's hunting lodge.
Fontanafredda Alta Langa Brut Rosé Riserva 'Contessa Rosa' consists of a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, varieties cultivated in the Langa Albese and Astigiana on soils consisting of white clay, sand and calcareous marl. Altitudes are between 400 and 650 metres above sea level while exposure is south and south-west. Harvesting takes place in early September, with the Pinot Noir grapes being chilled and subjected to 12-13 hours of skin maceration. The ensuing fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and in the same containers the wine rests on its fine lees for a few months before being bottled and sparkling according to the Metodo Classico. Refinement on the lees in glass lasts 60 months, at the end of which the wine is disgorged and topped up with the dosage syrup, containing a few drops of Barolo 1967.
Fontanafredda's 'Contessa Rosa' Alta Langa Rosé Brut Riserva has a lively pink colour with subtle and persistent effervescence. Fine, articulate hints of pomegranate and orange blossom define the olfactory panorama, associated with scents of lavender and rose. Elegant and lively on the palate, with a fresh progression that finishes on mineral and citrus sensations.