"Contessa Rosa" Alta Langa DOCG Rosé 2017

Contessa Rosa Brut Rosé represents the true spirit of Fontanafredda. Dedicated to Countess Rosa Vercellana, known as the "Bela Rusin", this sparkling wine, made from grapes grown at high altitudes, expresses the combination of aromatic freshness and complexity typical of great wines such as Barolo. Its base cuvée is composed of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the Langa of Alba and Asti. Part of the Pinot Noir grapes are pressed and left in contact with the skins in temperature-controlled tanks for one or two days and, at the end of maceration, a soft pressing is carried out. This produces a rosé must which, together with the white must, is fermented in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature and, at the end of this phase, the wine obtained is left in contact with its fine lees until the following spring. At this point, the cuvée is made by blending the wines from the two fermentations. The second fermentation, in the bottle, continues with no less than 48 months of maturation on the lees. The real peculiarity of this classic method, however, lies in the unique recipe of its "liqueur d'éxpédition" which contains, among other ingredients, a few drops of Barolo DOC 1967. Pale pink in colour with onion skin highlights, the nose has aromas reminiscent of orange blossom, pomegranate, chinotto and black plum, ending with ginger, nutmeg, lavender, basil and a background of custard. On the palate, however, one discovers a fine and persistent bubble, but above all a perfect balance between all the components of the wine. Excellent as an aperitif, thanks to its personality, it can accompany an entire meal with class.