Sparkling Wines Alta Langa San Biagio - Dosaggio Zero Riserva - 2016

Viniou Reviews

San Biagio’s Alta Langa DOCG Cuvée Dosaggio Zero Riserva 2016 is a distinguished Italian sparkling wine from the heart of Piedmont. Crafted exclusively from black grape varieties—most commonly Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, typical of a blanc de noirs—it represents a pure and expressive style. This cuvée is made using the “méthode traditionnelle,” meaning the second fermentation that creates the bubbles takes place within the bottle, ensuring a fine, persistent mousse and complex aromas that evolve beautifully over time. “Dosaggio zero” indicates no sugar has been added after disgorgement, so expect a bone-dry character that allows the intrinsic qualities of the grapes and terroir to shine.

Alta Langa, located amid the rolling hills of southern Piedmont, is celebrated for its relatively high elevation vineyards. The cool, temperate climate creates ideal conditions for slow, balanced ripening, preserving the freshness and aroma intensity essential for top-quality sparkling wines. The soils are predominantly calcareous marl and clay, imparting finesse and a distinct mineral backbone to the finished wine. While Piedmont is globally renowned for its great reds like Barolo and Barbaresco, Alta Langa DOCG is rapidly becoming recognised for sparkling wines rivalling the world’s best, thanks to centuries-old winemaking traditions and a focus on quality.

San Biagio’s Dosaggio Zero pairs wonderfully with subtly flavoured, refined dishes that complement its precision and mineral complexity. Consider serving it with seafood crudo, such as scallop carpaccio or oysters, which will mirror its saline, chiselled edges. Classic regional matches from Piedmont include vitello tonnato or vegetable flan with bagna cauda. It is equally delightful with tempura vegetables or a tartare of freshwater fish. The wine’s structure and freshness can also lift richer dishes, such as poultry in a creamy lemon sauce, by cleansing the palate.

To fully appreciate its aromatic finesse and vibrant acidity, serve this sparkling Alta Langa well-chilled, ideally between 6 and 8°C. Open just before serving, use fine Champagne flutes or white wine glasses, and allow the wine a few moments in the glass to reveal its complexity and subtlety.