NORTHERN ITALY
SPARKLING WINES
ALTA LANGA
95 Ettore Germano 2016 Metodo Classico Extra Brut (Alta Langa). Delicate aromas of white stone fruit, yellow spring flower and a whiff of bread crust form the delicate, enticing nose on this bone-dry sparkler. It’s elegant, vibrant and delicious, doling out ripe apple, pear and a hint of ginger set against an extremely refined perlage. Bright, tangy acidity gives it a crisp, pristine finish. Oliver McCrum Wines. —K.O.
abv: 12.5% Price: $45
92 Enrico Serafino 2016 Oudeis Brut (Alta Langa). Made with 85% Pinot Nero and 15% Chardonnay, this has inviting aromas of bread dough, red berry, eucalyptus and baking spice. The aromas follow through to the focused palate, along with pomegranate, hazelnut and star anise set against a refined perlage. Vibrant acidity lifts the finish. Dalla Terra Winery Direct. —K.O.
abv: 12.5% Price: $25
91 Bel Colle 2016 Cuvée Valentina Extra Brut (Alta Langa). Made with 90% Pinot Nero and 10% Chardonnay, this has alluring aromas of field flower, ripe apple, tropical fruit and wild herb. On the dry, radiant palate, firm acidity and a lively perlage accompany white peach, vanilla and lemon drop, before finishing on notes of thyme and bitter almond. Quintessential Wines. —K.O.
abv: 12.5% Price: $60
91 Giribaldi 2016 Delicate scents evoking white stone fruit, underbrush and spring flower mingle with whiffs of bread dough on this 60% Pinot Nero and 40% Chardonnay. Elegantly sparkling, the linear palate doles out mature yellow apple, hazelnut, botanical herb and citrus zest alongside crisp acidity. CTS Distributing. —K.O.
