Contratto
Special Cuvee Pas Dose Extra Brut 2011
Other years:
2015| Denomination | VSQ |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Area | Piedmont (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 90% Pinot Nero, 10% Chardonnay |
| Aging | Second fermentation in the bottle followed by at least 90 months of ageing; manual riddling |
| Other years | 2015 |
- Metodo Classico Pas Dosé: Extra Brut without sugars, of extreme purity and precision
- Blend and vintage: 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay; 2011 harvest; alcohol content 12.5%
- Ageing on the lees: minimum 90 months in bottle with remuage carried out by hand
- Aromatic profile: notes of citrus, dried apricot, thyme and orange blossom
- Taste and scores: mineral and complex with hints of hazelnut; Parker 94, Suckling 93
Description
What kind of wine it is
The Special Cuvée Pas Dosé by Contratto represents a profound expression of the Alta Langa region. Crafted from a skilful blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this Piedmontese sparkling wine is produced using the Traditional Method. In the glass, it displays a straw yellow colour enriched with coppery highlights, revealing on the palate a refined and slightly oxidative style. The sip is distinguished by vibrant freshness and a pronounced minerality, combined with a fine and creamy mousse that prolongs its elegant taste.
Where it comes from
The grapes ripen on the Piedmontese hills of Bossolasco, at altitudes approaching seven hundred and eighty metres, benefiting from excellent southern exposure. The soils are characterised by a composition of calcareous marl, calcium carbonate, silt and sand. This specific geological configuration ensures remarkable tension on the palate. Contratto enhances these elements to offer a faithful interpretation of the high-altitude terroir, imparting a solid structural elegance to the wine.
How it is produced
Production begins with gentle pressing to extract only the free-run must. After the first fermentation in stainless steel, the Pinot Noir continues to mature in steel tanks, while the Chardonnay is refined in French oak barrels. The prise de mousse, as required by the Traditional Method, involves a long ageing on the lees for ninety months and careful manual riddling. This extended rest allows the development of fragrant aromas of toasted hazelnuts and delicate pastries. The absence of added sugars defines the Pas Dosé style, ensuring extreme purity and precision.
History and Curiosities
A pioneer in Italy since 1867, the Contratto winery celebrates the identity of Alta Langa with the prestigious Special Cuvée Pas Dosé 2011. Born from vineyards located at high altitudes near Bossolasco, this Metodo Classico draws a pronounced minerality from the marl-limestone soils. Thanks to ageing for at least 90 months on the lees and meticulous manual remuage, the wine develops a captivating oxidative style of extraordinary complexity. Boasting outstanding reviews, such as 94 points from Robert Parker, this cuvée is the perfect expression of the noble Piedmontese terroir.
Awards
-
2011
93/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2011
94/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
- Start up year: 1867
- Oenologist: Andrea Rivetti
- Bottles produced: 180.000
- Hectares: 40
Around 1910 Contratto began to export their wines. Contratto had great success in foreign markets, and the winery became synonymous with prestige and quality in the world of sparkling wines, so much so that the winery became the official wine supplier for the Vatican, the Belgian Royal Family, and in 1913 the Royal Family of Savoy. In 1919 Contratto produced its first vintage Italian sparkling, an innovative choice on the part of the Piedmontese sparkling house that aimed to highlight a single vintage's characteristics.
The Contratto family remained at the company's helm until 1993, when the Bocchino family, who owned a distillery of the same name, took the reigns of Contratto. The Bocchino family set forth the work of restoring the Wine Cathedral, the internal courtyard, and the tasting room.
Giorgio Rivetti, a huge fan of Champagne, began collaborating with the Bocchino family and immediately realized the great potential of the historic sparkling house. Shortly after, in 2011, the Rivetti family decided to take an important step and purchased the winery. This new project immediately reflects the philosophy and passion that made La Spinetta famous. A fundamental decision was directly taken: acquiring several hectares of land, some under vine, close to the little town of Bossolaso. Situated in the highest part of the Langhe, the Bossolasco zone lends itself perfectly to the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These grapes are used in the production of the Alta Langa DOCG. This marks the official entry of Contratto in the Consortium of Alta Langa, and Contratto becomes the reference point for the entire denomination. Read more
| Name | Contratto Special Cuvee Metodo Classico Extra Brut 2011 |
|---|---|
| Type | White green classic method sparkling wine pas dosé |
| Denomination | VSQ |
| Vintage | 2011 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 90% Pinot Nero, 10% Chardonnay |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piedmont |
| Vendor | Contratto |
| Story | History and Curiosities A pioneer in Italy since 1867, the Contratto winery celebrates the identity of Alta Langa with the prestigious Special Cuvée Pas Dosé 2011. Born from vineyards located at high altitudes near Bossolasco, this Metodo Classico draws a pronounced minerality from the marl-limestone soils. Thanks to ageing for at least 90 months on the lees and meticulous manual remuage, the wine develops a captivating oxidative style of extraordinary complexity. Boasting outstanding reviews, such as 94 points from Robert Parker, this cuvée is the perfect expression of the noble Piedmontese terroir. |
| Origin | Bossolasco (Cuneo) |
| Soil composition | Marly calcareous, presence of calcium carbonate, silt and sand. |
| Fermentation | At least 90 months |
| Production technique | Classic method (traditional method) |
| Wine making | After destemming, the grapes are transferred to the press without being crushed. The free-run must is obtained from the draining of the berries. The first fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; then the Pinot Noir matures in steel for about 9 months, while the Chardonnay rests in French oak barrels. The second fermentation occurs in the bottle (traditional method) followed by at least 90 months of ageing; manual riddling. |
| Aging | Second fermentation in the bottle followed by at least 90 months of ageing; manual riddling |
| Total acidity | 7.1 gr/L |
| Year production | 180000 bottles |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |