portfolio ➜ Wines
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wines are produced by various methods of trapping carbon dioxide produced during a wine’s fermentation. The first and earliest versions of this are known as methodé ancestrale, in which the primary fermentation is simply allowed to finish in the bottle. The resulting wine boasts a gentle effervescence and in some instances residual sugar; it may appear turbid or hazy as well. Sparkling wines of Gaillac, Limoux, Bugey-Cerdon and the burgeoning "pét-nat" category are examples of this style.
By far the most famous is the méthode champenoise, the “champagne method.” Also known as méthode traditionnelle, metodo classico, or simply the “traditional method,” it is the most involved and labor-intensive process of producing a sparkling wine, in which a secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle. At their best, the resulting wines possess great dimension, power and elegance; nearly all of the world’s most ambitious sparkling wines — including those of the Alta Langa DOCG — are made in this way.
The large majority of the world’s sparkling wines are made by the charmat method, in which the wine undergoes its secondary fermentation in a pressurized vat, allowing it to retain effervescence through bottling. The most famous examples of this process are Italy’s festive sparkling wines: Prosecco, Asti, Moscato d’Asti and Brachetto d’Acqui.
Cocchi Piemonte Brut NV
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Piemonte DOC 12.0% ABV
12.0% ABV • Méthode Charmat
Cocchi employs a classic blend of estate pinot nero and chardonnay for this sparkling wine, which adds intricacy, cut, and intensity to the rich apple, pear, and floral notes. Ideal as an aperitif or to make a particularly nice Spritz. Full details
Cocchi Asti NV
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Asti DOCG 7.0% ABV
7.0% ABV • Méthode Charmat
ASTI is produced by Cocchi through a slow fermentation in steel vats of the Moscato Bianco picked from the family’s Colline Astigiane vinyard in the Asti hills. Creamy and delicate to taste, with a very scented aroma. The label’s colors match the flags that parade at the start of the ‘Palio d’Asti’ festival. Full details
Cocchi Brachetto d’Acqui NV
Italy ➜ Piemonte ➜ Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG 7.0% ABV
7.0% ABV • Méthode Charmat
Cocchi makes Brachetto d’Acqui after a slow, controlled fermentation of its estate Brachetto grapes in steel tanks. Cocchi Brachetto d’Acqui is drier, higher-acid, and more defined than virtually any other example on the market, but it still has the fun and fruit for accompanying sorbet or cookies. Full details