What kind of wine is Alto Adige Metodo Classico Extra Brut Riserva '1919' 2018 - Kettmeir

The Alto Adige Metodo Classico Extra Brut Riserva '1919' 2018 - Kettmeir is an elegant sparkling wine with a mountain character, produced according to the Traditional Method (Metodo Classico), meaning with a second fermentation directly in the bottle – the same technique used for Champagnes. It originates in the hills of Alto Adige, where the cool climate and significant temperature variations ensure very high-quality grapes and distinct aromatic freshness. The style is that of an Extra Brut, thus with a very low sugar dosage: a dry, precise, and vibrant wine, ideal for those who love sparkling wines with structure and purity.

Vintage details

The 2018 vintage in Alto Adige was balanced and consistent. A mild spring and a warm but not excessive summer ensured perfectly healthy and ripe grapes at harvest, with excellent aromatic concentration and well-balanced natural acidity. These conditions allowed for an ideal base for a Metodo Classico capable of evolving harmoniously over time.

Winemaking and aging

The blend is primarily composed of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, classic varieties in quality sparkling wine production. Approximately 20% of the Chardonnay ferments and ages in barriques – small oak barrels that impart softness and toasted notes – while the rest of the base wines ferment in steel to preserve freshness and fragrance. After blending and adding the liqueur de tirage (a mixture of sugar and yeasts that initiates the secondary fermentation), the bottles rest on their lees for at least 60 months. This long aging gives the wine a deep aromatic and gustatory complexity, with fine and persistent bubbles.

Tasting notes

The sensory profile of Alto Adige Metodo Classico Extra Brut Riserva '1919' 2018 - Kettmeir expresses a balance between alpine minerality and structure.

Colour

In the glass, it presents a beautiful bright straw yellow with golden reflections. The perlage is fine and continuous, a sign of long maturation on the lees.

Nose

The nose is broad and complex: notes of golden apple, citrus, dried fruit, and subtle hints of bread crust and toasted almond emerge. The aroma is elegant, harmonious, and inviting, with a mineral nuance typical of high-altitude wines.

Palate

On the palate, it impresses with its freshness and precision. The structure is solid but perfectly balanced by a lively acidity. The sip is dry, taut, and persistent, with echoes of ripe fruit, floral notes, and a finish that leaves a pleasant sensation of cleanliness and minerality.

What dishes to pair with Alto Adige Metodo Classico Extra Brut Riserva '1919' 2018 - Kettmeir

This sparkling wine is extremely versatile at the table. Perfect as a refined aperitif, it elegantly accompanies an entire meal of fish or white meats. Ideal with:

• Raw seafood, oysters, and fish carpaccio
• Ricotta and spinach ravioli with butter and sage
• Baked trout fillet or sea bass
• Semi-soft cheeses with medium aging

Its structure and the fineness of the bubbles also allow it to enhance slightly spicy dishes or Mediterranean cuisine preparations.

Storage and aging

For those wondering how to store Alto Adige Metodo Classico Extra Brut Riserva '1919' 2018 - Kettmeir wine, the main rule is to keep it in a cool place, away from light, and at a constant temperature, ideally between 10 and 15°C. Although it is already ready to be enjoyed today, it can be stored for a maximum of 2-3 years after purchase. Over time, it will evolve towards more complex notes of dried fruit and honey, but its best essence remains young, fresh, and vibrant, typical of great Alto Adige Metodo Classico wines.