Long before Prosecco established its global reputation, a revolutionary winemaking tradition took root in the Piedmontese hills, establishing the region as the true birthplace of Italy’s Metodo Classico sparkling wine. Spanning over 150 years, this legacy has culminated in the highly esteemed Alta Langa DOCG: a brut vintage spumante whose history is intertwined with the pioneering spirit of Italian oenology and the secrets of Champagne production.
Contrary to popular belief, the story of Italian traditional method sparkling wine does not begin in the sun-drenched valleys often associated with Italian wine, but in the cooler, high-altitude terrain south of the Tanaro River, where the Apennines meet the Alps.
The initial impulse to create a high-quality sparkling wine similar to Champagne stemmed from the region’s cultural and geographical proximity to France. In the early 19th century, the Counts of Sambuy started growing French grape varieties, particularly Pinot Noir, believing that the Piedmontese terroir was perfect for producing spumante.
This vision was further solidified by Carlo Gancia. After studying oenology, he travelled to Reims in 1848 to perfect the champenoise technique. Upon returning to Piedmont, he and his brother Edoardo relocated their small company to Canelli in the Monferrato area. In 1865, they achieved a historic milestone by successfully producing the first Italian sparkling wine using the labour-intensive classic method of bottle fermentation.
These early successes laid the groundwork for a burgeoning industry. By the early 20th century, Piedmontese Metodo Classico producers were supplementing their famous Vermouth of Turin exports with sparkling wines, becoming official suppliers to the Royal House of Savoy.
Despite its historical importance, a unified effort to define and protect this unique style did not materialise until the late 20th century.
On 5 March 1990, the Spumante Metodo Classico in Piemonte Project was officially launched. This ambitious initiative was spearheaded by Piedmont’s seven most prominent wine houses: Cinzano, Contratto, Fontanafredda, Gancia, Martini & Rossi, Riccadonna and Vini Banfi.
© Ph.ALTA LANGA DOCG
The producers jointly committed to analysing high-altitude soils (those above 250 metres) and cultivating specific clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dedicated solely to the production of sparkling wine using the traditional method.
This collaborative venture led to the establishment of Tradizione Spumante in 1993: a coordination committee dedicated to advancing research in this area. Experimental vineyards featuring specific clones optimised for the region’s unique microclimate were planted across the provinces of Asti, Cuneo, and Alessandria.
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The Birth of Alta Langa DOCG
The rigorous commitment to local quality paid off. On 15 June 2001, the Alta Langa Consortium was established. Just over a year later, on 23 November 2002, the Ministry of Agricultural Policies published the decree acknowledging the Alta Langa appellation (DOC). This was finally elevated to the highest status: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG). This recognises the Alta Langa’s history and its rigorous production standards.
Alta Langa DOCG differs from other Italian sparkling wines due to its strict regulations.
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Grapes: They must be produced using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes (either individually or blended, with up to 10% of other non-aromatic varieties permitted).
Aging: A minimum of 30 months’ ageing on the lees is required to ensure complexity and richness.
Vintage only: Alta Langa is always a vintage wine, with the harvest year indicated on the label.
Altitude: The vineyards must be located in the high hills at a minimum altitude of 250 metres above sea level to ensure the acidity and freshness that are crucial for classic method wines.
© Ph.ALTA LANGA DOCG
Terroir and Partnership
The Alta Langa vineyards span 149 villages situated on the right bank of the Tanaro River. The predominantly calcareous clay and marl soils, the result of ancient marine sedimentation, provide unique mineral complexity.
The appellation’s success is rooted in a unique socio-economic structure known as the ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’, which positions local winegrowing families as the ultimate guardians of the terroir. These families continue to own and manage their high-altitude land, while major spumante producers guarantee payment for their grapes and labour, ensuring that tradition and expertise remain centred locally.
Available in white and rosé varieties, Alta Langa DOCG white boasts nuances ranging from pale straw yellow to deep gold. It is characterised by aromas of citrus and crusty bread, and has a delicate, savoury mouthfeel. The rosé, defined by the intensity of Pinot Noir, offers scents of grapefruit and spices, and a broad, balanced flavour profile.
Today, Alta Langa is a testament to Piedmont’s long-standing commitment to quality, linking its history as the first region to master the classic method in the 19th century with its current status as a globally renowned prestige sparkling wine. The historical cellars in Canelli, where this tradition began, are now fittingly recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
