What kind of wine is Alto Adige Spumante Brut Nature DOC 2020 - Kaltern?

Alto Adige Spumante Brut Nature DOC 2020 - Kaltern is a Metodo Classico sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown at the foot of the Mendel Pass, a mountain area in South Tyrol renowned for its cool and breezy climate. Here, the temperature difference between day and night favors the slow ripening of the grapes and the development of elegant aromas. This Brut Nature, with no added sugar, represents the most authentic and natural style of sparkling wine production: dry, direct, and mineral, ideal for those who appreciate the purity of the grape and fine, persistent bubbles.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage in South Tyrol was characterized by a mild spring and a balanced summer, with sunny days and cool nights that allowed the grapes to maintain a perfect balance between sugars and acidity. The harvest took place by hand in the second half of September, ensuring the collection of healthy and aromatically complex bunches. The results are a sparkling wine of great finesse and aromatic precision.

Winemaking and Aging

The Metodo Classico (also known as “Champenois”) involves secondary fermentation in the bottle. After the first fermentation in steel tanks, the base wine is bottled together with natural yeasts and sugars, which initiate the second fermentation and naturally create the effervescence. This is followed by aging on lees for at least 24 months, which enriches the aromatic profile and gives the sparkling wine its typical creaminess. After disgorgement – the removal of the yeasts – the wine is not dosed, remaining an authentic “Brut Nature.”

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it presents a bright straw yellow color with a fine, continuous, and lively perlage, a sign of long aging on the lees.

Nose

The nose offers elegant aromas of green apple, white flowers, and bread crust, with delicate nuances of citrus and toasted hazelnut. It is a fresh and complex bouquet that immediately invites tasting.

Palate

On the palate, it is fresh, dry, and mineral, with a distinct acidity that underscores its mountain character. The bubbles are fine and create a creamy sensation that perfectly balances the acidic tension. The finish is long, clean, of great elegance and precision.

What dishes to pair with Alto Adige Spumante Brut Nature DOC 2020 - Kaltern

This sparkling wine is a versatile companion, perfect both as an aperitif and throughout the meal. Ideal with:

• Raw fish and seafood
• Tuna or salmon tartare
• Delicate vegetarian dishes
• Fresh and goat cheeses
• Dishes based on light poultry or white meats

Its distinct freshness also makes it exceptional with bold-flavored dishes, such as tempura or fried seafood, thanks to its ability to cleanse the palate with every sip.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Alto Adige Spumante Brut Nature DOC 2020 - Kaltern, the rule is simple: keep it in a cool place, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations, ideally between 10 and 15°C. Bottles should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal. This sparkling wine is best enjoyed young, when its freshness and vibrancy are at their peak. However, it can evolve pleasantly for 2-3 years after disgorgement, developing more complex and softer nuances without losing its mountain and mineral soul.