Grape blend: 100% Pinot Nero
Aged: 24 months in the bottle on its lees
Alcohol content: 12.5% vol
Acidity: 5.9 g/l
Residual sugars: 8.5 g/l
For those who want a young, fresh wine that’s not too dry and has the bubbles and elegance of a “Metodo Classico”, Cuvée Initiale – from Pinot Nero grapes grown in the Oltrepò Pavese – is the perfect choice. The cold and rain in early spring delayed the start of growth in the vines, but the hot weather, which arrived straight afterwards, allowed the plants to catch up. Rapid harvesting, pressing and fermentation, resulted in fragrant base wines with good acidity. During the 24 months “sur lies” in the bottle, the release of typical aromas – yeast and hints of breadmaking – was limited, leading to a nice underlying freshness. After dégorgement, the wine, topped up with “liqueur d’expédition”, achieved softness and sweetness (the residual sugar content is around 9 g/l) in its mouthfeel.
Tasting – Colour: straw-yellow with greenish reflections, adorned with numerous chains of fine bubbles. The nose: citrussy with notes of lemon, hay and mineral nuances. In the mouth: creamy with the right degree of acidity but not too dry, it leaves the mouth feeling clean, fresh.
Wine and Food Pairing – It goes nicely with aperitifs and appetizers, but also with an entire meal, in particular with fish and vegetables, or with relatively young cheeses and cold cuts that aren’t overly salty, as well as pasta dishes such as “tortelli” stuffed with fish and potatoes. It’s an ideal companion from start (“Initiale”).... to finish.
Awards – Silver Medal for the 2020 vintage at the Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2024, Neustadt, Germany.