Giribaldi Alta Langa DOCG Spumante Pas Dose' Riserva 2015

Do you love Italian sparkling wine but long for something more complex than the same old, same old Prosecco? This Metado Classico sparkler from Matteo Giribaldi is an absolute gem. Unlike Prosecco (which gets its sparkles from injecting CO2) this is Italian sparkling wine made in the proper way.

Yes, it is more labour intensive and takes longer (this wine spends 30 months on its lees) but as a famous stout brand told us "good things come to those who wait". Your patience is rewarded with a sparkling wine that outperforms similarly priced grower Champagnes.

The wine is a blend of 60% Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) and 40% Chardonnay. The pas dosé (zero sugar) represents the purest essence of bubbles and the most authentic expression of Giribaldi terroir. This is a wonderfully bright fizz with aromas of citrus and honey. The wine bursts on to the palate with crisp, dry lemon. Elegance and grace come along with classic pastry notes.

In the glass the bubbles are tiny but persistent. The finish is long and lingering.

This is an excellent bottle of sparkling wine, perfect to kickstart the most refined celebrations.

Giribaldi wines are a family affair, they are made by Mario Giribaldi, the third generation of the family. His wines are a reflection of the people who make it, those who work in the vineyard under the all-day sun, or in the cold winter snow. Those who work all day and night in the winery during the harvest to watch the wine slowly transform, those who dress the bottle and look after its image, those who are ambassadors and pass on the passion of those who made it.

The Giribaldi winery began at the beginning of the 20th century and has been producing wines for three generations. In those days, times were hard, and agriculture was not only a means of income but also a real pride for those who loved their land even though it made them suffer so much. It was normal for them to make sacrifices for the land they were brought up on.