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Regular price
€125,40
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Vintage:
2012
Denomination:
Alta Langa
Grape variety:
pinot noir, chardonnay
Origin:
Italy, Piedmont
Alcohol:
12.5%
Format:
1.5 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
8°
Refinement:
100 months on lees
When to drink:
Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Business Dinner
Type:
Sparkling wine
Taste:
creamy and savory, with notes of dried fruit and a long mineral finish
Flavorings:
bread crust, honey, dried fruit, citrus, white flowers
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
15 years old
What kind of wine is Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret)
The Alta Langa Riserva DOCG “Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi” 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret) is an excellent Classic Method sparkling wine produced in the Piedmontese highlands between the provinces of Cuneo, Asti, and Alessandria. It is made from a rigorous selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, cultivated in vineyards located over 250 meters above sea level, where the cool climate and significant temperature variations guarantee grapes with great aroma and acidity, ideal for sparkling wine production.
Banfi brings its experience and artisanal approach to this label, culminating in a Classic Method wine that ages for over 100 months on the lees – hence its name – for a refined, complex, and extremely elegant result. The Magnum format, housed in an elegant coffret, enhances its aging potential and makes this bottle an ideal choice for those looking for a significant gift or a wine to open on special occasions.
Vintage Details
The 2012 vintage was characterized by a cool spring and a dry but not excessively hot summer. These conditions allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, concentrating intense aromas and maintaining perfect acidity for the Classic Method. The vintage stands out for its balance and freshness, two elements that are fully reflected in the sensory profile of this Alta Langa Riserva.
Vinification and Aging
The Alta Langa Riserva DOCG “Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi” is produced using the Classic Method, the same method used for Champagnes: the second fermentation takes place in the bottle and the wine remains in contact with the lees for an exceptionally long period, over 8 years (100 months). This slow aging process imparts complexity and a creamy texture. After disgorgement, the wine rests further in the cellar for a few months, to achieve perfect balance before release.
Tasting Notes
A Classic Method wine of rare charm, combining the typical structure of Pinot Noir with the finesse of Chardonnay, best expressing the identity of Alta Langa.
Color
Visually, it presents a bright golden yellow, with warm and luminous reflections. The perlage is fine, continuous, and persistent, a distinctive sign of a long stay on the lees.
Aroma
On the nose, it offers a broad and complex bouquet, where notes of crusty bread, dried fruit, and candied citrus alternate. Nuances of white flowers, honey, and slight toasted notes emerge, evolving with oxygenation in the glass.
Taste
On the palate, it is lively, fresh, and harmonious. The long maturation on the lees provides creaminess and depth, balanced by a pleasant acidity that gives dynamism and persistence. The finish is elegant, mineral, with a return of ripe fruit and hazelnut.
What dishes to pair with Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret)
This Classic Method sparkling wine is ideal for accompanying sophisticated dishes as well as simpler proposals, as long as they are elegant in flavor. Perfect for a special toast or a gourmet dinner, it pairs excellently with:
- Raw seafood and oysters
- Risottos with seafood or asparagus
- Baked fish or fish in a salt crust
- Delicate white meats
- Aged hard cheeses
The aromatic breadth and freshness of this wine make it versatile and suitable for enhancing many cuisines, from Piedmontese tradition to more contemporary proposals.
Storage and Aging
Those wondering how to store Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret) wine should consider that, despite having already aged for a long time in the cellar before commercialization, it can still maintain its elegance for several years.
It is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, avoiding vibrations and sudden temperature changes. An environment with an average temperature of 12-14°C and humidity around 70% is ideal.
Although it is ready to drink now, it can evolve for an additional 2-3 years while maintaining all its freshness and complexity. The Magnum format also favors an even more harmonious maturation over time.
Banfi
The history of the Banfi winery The Banfi winery represents a pillar of Italian wine tradition, combining a historical heritage with a continuous desire for innovation. Founded in 1978 by the Mariani brothers, Banfi quickly established itself as one of the most influential wineries in the product...
How to open and best serve Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret)
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret), leave the bottle in a vertical position for at least a few hours. This allows any sediment present to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the wine during serving. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, move it gently so as not to disturb the sediment.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The serving temperature is crucial for enhancing aromas and flavors. For this mature classic method sparkling wine, the perfect temperature is between 10 and 12 °C. Chill the bottle gradually:
- Avoid dry ice or the freezer, which could alter the quality of the wine;
- Instead, immerse it in an ice bucket with water and ice for about 20–30 minutes.
3. Opening the bottle
To correctly open the Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret), proceed as follows:
- Remove the top foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork;
- Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and slowly twist the base, not the cork, to avoid sudden pops or spills;
- Let the cork come out with a gentle sigh, not a loud pop: this is a sign of elegance and respect for the wine.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the color and brilliance of the wine. An Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret) should have a golden yellow hue, indicating its long aging on the lees. Smell the bouquet to ensure there are no oxidized or excessively toasted notes. Proceed with a small taste to check for freshness and aromatic complexity.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although it is a sparkling wine, the long maturation of this Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi justifies slight oxygenation to encourage the development of aromas. If served in a Magnum, you can pour half a glass and let the wine slowly open up in the glass. Alternatively:
- Use a specific decanter for sparkling wines or a wide carafe, but pour with extreme caution to avoid losing effervescence;
- Allow it to breathe for 5–10 minutes before serving.
6. Service
Pour the Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret) by slightly tilting the glass to preserve the fine and persistent mousse. Use large sparkling wine glasses or aged white wine glasses to enhance the olfactory complexity. Accompany the service with refined dishes such as shellfish, mushroom risottos, or delicate white meats, which will enhance the elegance of the perlage.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not consume all the wine, re-seal the bottle with an airtight stopper for sparkling wines and place it in the refrigerator. Maintain a constant temperature of around 6–8 °C. To ensure the best experience:
- Consume within 24 hours to ensure freshness and liveliness of the perlage;
- Avoid shaking or moving the bottle during storage.
By following these instructions, every sip of Alta Langa Riserva DOCG 'Cuvée Aurora 100 Mesi' 2012 Magnum - Banfi (Coffret) will reveal the finesse, complexity, and unique character of the most elegant Piedmont.
