Wine professionals and press gathered recently at Eataly Downtown for a walk-around tasting dedicated to one of Italy’s most distinctive sparkling wine appellations: Alta Langa DOCG.
Organized by the Consorzio Alta Langa, the event marked the first time the consortium hosted a dedicated tasting in New York City, bringing together 27 producers from the hills of Piedmont to present their wines and share the story behind this historic denomination.
The tasting allowed guests to sample a wide range of Alta Langa wines while meeting winemakers and learning about the region’s terroir, production rules, and growing international reputation.
A Historic Sparkling Wine Region in Piedmont
Alta Langa holds a unique place in Italian wine history. The denomination was created to highlight traditional-method sparkling wines produced in the high hills of southern Piedmont. The production area spans parts of the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo, primarily on the right bank of the Tanaro River.
The vineyards sit at elevations above 250 meters, where cooler temperatures help preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes. The soils—calcareous clay and marl—provide minerality and structure that translate beautifully into sparkling wine.
Alta Langa vineyards must be planted on hillsides, never on valley floors, and cultivation follows strict regulations designed to maintain quality and regional identity.
Strict Production Standards
Alta Langa DOCG wines are produced exclusively using the Metodo Classico, the same traditional bottle-fermentation method used for Champagne. The appellation has some of the strictest rules in Italian sparkling wine production:
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Grapes must be Pinot Nero and/or Chardonnay
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Wines must be vintage-dated
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Minimum 30 months aging on the lees
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Vineyards must be planted above 250 meters elevation
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Yields and vineyard density are tightly regulated
These requirements help ensure complexity, fine bubbles, and a distinctive mineral character in the finished wines.
Unlike many sparkling wines that blend multiple harvests, Alta Langa is always vintage, reflecting the conditions of a single year.
A Walk-Around Tasting in New York
At the Eataly Downtown event, 27 producers poured dozens of wines for trade professionals, journalists, and wine enthusiasts. Guests had the opportunity to explore the range of styles within the denomination—from crisp Brut bottlings to elegant rosé expressions.
Two educational seminars were also offered during the afternoon, led by wine marketing expert and podcast host Juliana Colangelo.
The discussions covered:
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The history and evolution of Alta Langa
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The growth of the DOCG since its recognition
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Sustainability initiatives in the vineyards
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Opportunities for the wines in international markets
The conversations highlighted how producers are balancing tradition with innovation while expanding awareness of Alta Langa outside Italy.
Elegant Wines from a Small but Remarkable Appellation
Despite its relatively small production compared to other Italian sparkling wine regions, Alta Langa has earned a reputation for elegance and precision. The wines often show:
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Fine, persistent bubbles
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Aromas of citrus, apple, and white flowers
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Notes of brioche and toasted hazelnut from extended lees aging
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A crisp, mineral finish
The combination of altitude, soil, and strict winemaking standards gives these wines a distinctive profile that sets them apart within Italy’s growing sparkling wine category.
Discovering Alta Langa in New York
Events like the Alta Langa tasting at Eataly Downtown offer a rare opportunity for American audiences to discover a lesser-known but historically significant Italian wine region.
With its focus on vintage wines, traditional methods, and high-altitude vineyards, Alta Langa represents a unique expression of Piedmont’s winemaking heritage—one that continues to gain recognition among sommeliers, collectors, and sparkling wine lovers around the world.
Learn More
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Official consortium website: https://www.altalangadocg.com
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Event host: https://www.eataly.com