Wines Piedmont Massimo Rivetti - Duemilasei Brut - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Massimo Rivetti's Cuvée Duemilasei Brut 2016 is a sparkling white wine from the Piedmont DOC in Northern Italy. Crafted from a careful selection of local white grape varieties, this cuvée is produced using time-honoured methods, likely Metodo Classico given the region’s tradition for quality sparkling wines. The grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed, with fermentation taking place at controlled temperatures to preserve the freshness, followed by a second fermentation in the bottle. This process, reminiscent of Champagne, results in a complex and persistent mousse with fine bubbles, while the 2016 vintage brings extra depth and a touch of maturity to the wine. Aromatically, you can expect hints of white flowers, orchard fruits like pear and apple, with subtle notes of toasted brioche and almonds deriving from extended lees contact.

Piedmont—famed for its rolling hills and exceptional terroir—benefits from a continental climate: cold winters and warm summers, tempered by Alpine breezes and morning fog. The diverse soils, predominantly calcareous clay and marl, contribute minerality and nuanced character to the region’s wines. Known mainly for its reds like Barolo and Barbaresco, Piedmont’s sparkling wines have gained traction thanks to precise winemaking and expressive local grapes. The historical influence from nearby France and the region’s long-standing dedication to terroir-driven winemaking are key to Piedmont’s evolving reputation for excellent sparkling wines.

A Brut sparkling wine like this pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a classic Italian match, serve it alongside lightly fried seafood—such as calamari fritti—or crudo di pesce for a refined appetiser. It also complements delicate risottos, particularly those with asparagus or fresh herbs, as well as soft cheeses like Robiola. If you wish to stay truly regional, try it with vitello tonnato or agnolotti del plin, as the wine’s freshness and subtle yeasty complexity will cut through creamy sauces and balance hearty fillings.

Serve this sparkling wine well-chilled, ideally at 6-8°C, to ensure the bubbles are lively and the aromas precise. Consider using a tulip-shaped glass to enhance both the aromatic profile and the elegance of the perlage. Enjoy it now for its freshness, or age for a couple more years to discover additional brioche and nutty notes.