What kind of wine is Spumante Blanc de Noirs Dosaggio Zero “La Parcelle de Farfalla” 2015 - Ballabio (wooden case)?
The Spumante Blanc de Noirs Dosaggio Zero “La Parcelle de Farfalla” 2015 - Ballabio (wooden case) is an excellent Metodo Classico born in the heart of Oltrepò Pavese, a historic territory for the production of quality sparkling wines. Made entirely from selected Pinot Noir grapes, it is a pure Blanc de Noirs, meaning a sparkling wine obtained from black-skinned grapes but vinified in white. The “Dosaggio Zero” style highlights the choice not to add sugar after disgorgement, thus enhancing the authentic expression of the grape variety and the terroir.
Vintage Details
The 2015 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions, with a mild spring and a warm but ventilated summer. These conditions allowed for homogeneous grape ripening, yielding healthy bunches, rich in aromas, and with an excellent balance between sugars and acidity. The harvest was carried out manually at the end of August, selecting only the best bunches from the “Farfalla” parcel, which is north-west facing to preserve freshness and aromatic finesse.
Winemaking and aging
Winemaking follows the Metodo Classico, the same method used for Champagne production. After a soft pressing of the Pinot Noir grapes, the must ferments slowly in steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle, where the wine ages on its lees for 80 months, which is over 6 years. This long contact with the lees imparts complexity, creaminess, and a fine and persistent perlage. After disgorgement, it rests for another two years in glass before being released onto the market.
Tasting Notes
A wine that embodies a perfect balance between power and elegance, capable of surprising even the most discerning palates.
Color
Visually, this sparkling wine presents a brilliant golden yellow color, enlivened by a fine and continuous perlage that highlights its long aging on the lees.
Nose
The bouquet is broad and refined: notes of bread crust, toasted hazelnut, and candied citrus emerge, with delicate hints of white flowers and mineral nuances. The olfactory complexity reflects the care and patience of its long aging.
Taste
On the palate, it impresses with its freshness and lively acidity, perfectly balanced by a full and creamy structure. The sip is dry, clean, and harmonious, with a long and savory finish that invites a second taste. The absence of dosage enhances the identity of Pinot Noir and the purity of its region of origin.
Food pairings for Spumante Blanc de Noirs Dosaggio Zero “La Parcelle de Farfalla” 2015 - Ballabio (wooden case)
This sparkling wine is extremely versatile with food. Perfect for a toast with character, it elegantly accompanies:
- seafood appetizers and raw fish
- oysters, tuna or salmon tartare
- shellfish dishes and light pasta dishes
- aged hard cheeses
- delicate white meats or gourmet vegetarian dishes
Also ideal to enjoy on its own, as a meditation wine, to appreciate its purity and complexity.
Storage and aging: how to store Spumante Blanc de Noirs Dosaggio Zero “La Parcelle de Farfalla” 2015 - Ballabio (wooden case)
To preserve its qualities, it is advisable to store the bottle horizontally, in a cool place (10-12°C), away from light and temperature fluctuations. Although this sparkling wine possesses an extraordinary structure, its fresh and vibrant character is best enjoyed in the first few years after disgorgement. It is therefore advisable to consume it young, within 2-3 years, to fully appreciate its citrus notes and lively minerality.
Ballabio
The story of the Ballabio winery Ballabio boasts a long tradition in the world of wine, founded on a rich heritage that blends tradition and innovation. The winery, born from a passion for viticulture, represents an example of how the past can meet the future through the adoption of modern practi...
How to open and best serve Spumante Blanc de Noirs Dosaggio Zero “La Parcelle de Farfalla” 2015 - Ballabio (wooden box)
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Spumante Blanc de Noirs Dosaggio Zero “La Parcelle de Farfalla” 2015 - Ballabio (wooden box), position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This step allows natural sediments to settle at the bottom, preventing them from mixing during opening and serving. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, gently return it to an upright position.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The perfect temperature to best appreciate this sparkling wine is between 8°C and 10°C. Chill the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 20-25 minutes, or in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Avoid sudden temperature changes that could compromise the quality of the bubbles.
3. Opening the Bottle
Proceed with calm and precision:
- Carefully remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden opening.
- Hold the bottle at about a 45° angle and gently rotate it from the base, not the cork.
- Allow the cork to ease out slowly, guiding it with your hand until you hear a soft sigh, a sign of correct and controlled opening.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, observe the color and brilliance of the wine in the glass. A mature Blanc de Noirs like this will show golden nuances and a fine, persistent foam. Take a first taste to verify the freshness and integrity of the perlage, a sign of good preservation and perfect balance.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although sparkling wines generally do not require decanting, a vintage product like the Spumante Blanc de Noirs Dosaggio Zero “La Parcelle de Farfalla” 2015 - Ballabio (wooden box) can benefit from brief oxygenation. Pour a small amount into a large glass or a decanter for about 5 minutes: this allows evolved aromas to develop, enhancing notes of bread crust, dried fruit, and candied citrus.
6. Serving
Use elegant flutes or tulip-shaped Champagne glasses, which promote the concentration of aromas. Pour the sparkling wine slowly to preserve the finesse of the perlage. Ideal as a refined aperitif or paired with raw fish dishes, crustaceans, and aged cheeses.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with a specific sparkling wine stopper. Store in the refrigerator at 4-5°C and consume within 24-48 hours to maintain the vibrancy and elegance of the perlage. Avoid leaving the bottle at room temperature, to prevent losing fragrance and freshness.