News from the Alta Langa project: the third chapter launches in November with Alta Langa DOCG Airali Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc 2021

A new Alta Langa DOCG, available on the market starting in November: we are proud to announce the newest addition to our lineup, Airali Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Metodo Classico 2021.

“Our decision to produce a 100% Chardonnay Extra Brut stems from earlier in-house winemaking experiments that truly brought out the grape’s distinctive traits: vibrant acidity, a hint of salinity, and great finesse, with a flavor profile that develops vertically on the palate. This result is also thanks to the unique terroir of Cissone, which lends the wine characteristics that truly shine, allowing us to fully express the essence of our vineyard.” explains Paolo Scaiola, head winemaker at Tenuta Carretta. 

This wine joins our two other Alta Langa Airali labels – Brut and Pas Dosé – both made from the classic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend. Blanc de Blanc represents the third chapter of the Airali project dedicated to Alta Langa, which aims to explore and showcase the various nuances of this denomination. The grapes come from our vineyard in the municipality of Cissone, located at over 600 meters above sea level. This area is characterized by stunning landscapes of expansive forests, hazelnut groves, and pastures, where we care for about 15 hectares, 9 of which are dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

ALTA LANGA AND THE AIRALI VINEYARD 

Alta Langa, an area located in the southern hills of Piedmont, stands out for its elevation and pristine environment that stretches to the borders of the Ligurian Apennines. This rugged and captivating territory was identified in the 1990s as ideal for the production of high-quality Metodo Classico sparkling wines. Thanks to an innovative experimental research project, supported by Piedmont’s oldest sparkling wine producers and the Piedmont Region, the first vineyards of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were planted here. Today, Alta Langa represents one of Italy’s finest regions for Metodo Classico sparkling wine production, blending centuries-old tradition with a strong and recognizable territorial identity. 

The area of Cissone is especially notable for its rich biodiversity: sweeping forests, hazelnut groves and pastures intermingle with vineyards, setting it apart from the viticultural monoculture typical of the Bassa Langa. The soils, of marine origin and dating back to the Miocene, are predominantly composed of calcareous-silty marl with a significant presence of pietra di Langa. This ancient stone was formed from underwater landslides that compacted layers of sand and mud, forming sandstone slabs rich in carbonates from the prehistoric oceans. 

The area’s distinct soil, combined with the harsh climate and winds coming from the Alps and the Ligurian Apennines, creates an ideal environment for grape varieties that thrive in challenging climatic conditions, such as Chardonnay and especially Pinot Noir. These conditions impart fresh aromas and acidity to the grapes, essential qualities for producing sparkling wines of great elegance.  

Alta Langa Docg Airali Extra Brut Blanc De Blanc Metodo Classico 2021 

Produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, Alta Langa DOCG Airali Extra Brut Blanc de Blanc Metodo Classico 2021 is defined by its elegance and freshness.  

The grapes, harvested by hand, are placed whole into the pneumatic press. After removing the initial free-run must, the successive pressings yield the free-run juice, which is then fermented at low temperatures (18°C) to prepare the base wine. In March following the harvest, the wine is bottled for secondary fermentation and then aged on the lees for at least 30 months.  

In the glass, the wine reveals a straw-yellow color with subtle greenish highlights and a fine, persistent perlage. The bouquet opens with delicate aromas of bread crust and white flowers. The palate is vibrant and characteristically savory, with a refreshing acidity that carries through the tasting experience, complemented by a refined minerality that highlights its overall elegance. 

Ideal as an aperitif, Airali Extra Brut Blanc De Blanc 2021 pairs wonderfully with seafood, shellfish, white meat and goat cheese. The recommended serving temperature is 8-10°C.