When we think of Italian sparkling wine, Prosecco often takes the spotlight. But beyond its easy-drinking charm lies a world of Metodo Classico wines, crafted with the same traditional method as Champagne yet deeply rooted in Italy’s diverse terroirs. From the cool Alpine vineyards of the north to the sun-drenched volcanic soils of the south, Italy’s artisan winemakers are redefining what fine sparkling wine can be-focusing on indigenous grapes, minimal intervention, and extended lees aging to create bottles of extraordinary depth and complexity.
Unlike large-scale sparkling wine production, these small, dedicated producers take a hands-on approach, embracing the natural characteristics of each vintage rather than seeking uniformity. Many of their wines rest on the lees for 36 to 60+ months, developing delicate bubbles, rich brioche and toasted nut aromas, and a layered minerality that makes each sip an experience. With low or no dosage, the wines’ vibrant acidity and terroir-driven character shine through beautifully.
Understanding Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines are defined by their lively effervescence, created by carbon dioxide trapped within the bottle. To qualify as a true sparkling wine, it must have a pressure of at least 3.5 bar, generated through a second fermentation (or refermentation). This pressure is what distinguishes sparkling wines from semi-sparkling wines (frizzante), which have a gentler fizz with pressures ranging between 1 and 2.5 bar.
Italian Metodo Classico Sparkling Wines
Italy has a long tradition of producing high-quality sparkling wines using the Metodo Classico – a winemaking technique where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle, resulting in fine, persistent bubbles and complex flavors. Unlike wines made in pressurized tanks (autoclave), such as Prosecco, Metodo Classico wines undergo a slow maturation process, enhancing their depth and elegance.
In this journey, I’ll be highlighting a selection of Blanc de Blancs- rare gems from artisan wineries that you simply can’t miss. These wines, made exclusively from white grapes, offer elegance, structure, and a pure expression of place. Whether you’re a sparkling wine lover or an adventurous drinker eager to explore something new, these Italian Metodo Classico treasures deserve your attention. Let’s dive in!
Trentino
Nestled in the heart of the Trentino region, Trento DOC stands as one of Italy’s finest expressions of Metodo Classico sparkling wine. This prestigious appellation is exclusive to the province of Trento, where vineyards stretch across approximately 800 hectares of mountainous terrain, thriving in an alpine climate that lends the wines their signature freshness and elegance.
The roots of Trento DOC trace back over a century, with its rise to prominence credited to Giulio Ferrari, the visionary winemaker who introduced Champagne-style winemaking to the region. Thanks to his pioneering efforts, Trentino became the first Italian appellation to embrace secondary fermentation in the bottle-the hallmark of the Metodo Classico process.
What makes Trento DOC unique is its distinct terroir: vineyards are planted at high altitudes, often exceeding 500 meters above sea level, where dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts preserve acidity and enhance aromatic complexity. The soils, rich in limestone and glacial deposits, contribute to the wine’s signature verticality. Trento DOC sparkling wines can be crafted from a selection of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, with Chardonnay playing the leading role in most blends.
I can’t talk about this incredible territory without mentioning Maso Grener in Pressano di Lavis. This small, family-run winery is nestled in the beautiful Avisiane hills and is the dream of Fausto and Cinzia, two oenologists, partners in work and life. What began as a home in 2006 turned into a cozy agriturismo and, in 2013, a winery that now produces some stunning, mountain-driven wines.
Among their exceptional range, the first Metodo Classico Trento DOC truly stands out. Made with 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Vigna Tratta vineyard, the SOEL Trento DOC 2020 is a Brut Nature that spends a generous 40 months on the lees. The result? A wine with rich layers of ripe fruit, zesty citrus, spices like ginger and nutmeg, and the warm, comforting aroma of buttery breadcrust. On the palate, it’s all about vibrant acidity and an electric tension that makes it irresistible. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a great meal, it’s a wine that draws you back for more.
Valle d'Aosta
Now, let’s head back up north to a region that rarely gets the spot light-where heroic viticulture thrives under the pure Alpine influence. In the heart of the Aosta Valley, you’ll find Ermes Pavese, a tiny yet remarkable winery devoted to Priè Blanc, an ancient, early-ripening white grape with striking acidity. This variety is the soul of Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle, a DOC that truly embodies its mountainous terroir.
The winery’s vineyards sit at breathtaking altitudes of 900 to 1,200 meters, cultivated using traditional low pergolas to shield the grapes from the region’s chilly nighttime temperatures.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting the winemaker and tasting his wines – among them, the outstanding “PAVESE XLVIII” Metodo Classico – Valle d’Aosta DOP – Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle captured my attention the most.
Vinification: The first fermentation takes place in steel, followed by 10 months on fine lees before bottling with selected natural yeasts. A second fermentation occurs in the bottle, where the wine rests for 48 months on the lees before disgorgement. No sugar is added- only the same wine from the same vintage is used for refilling, ensuring pure authenticity.
The result? A wine that is both elegant and contemporary, with a vibrant acidity that carries through every sip like a spine of energy. Delicate yet persistent, it reveals layers of warm brioche, white flowers, a touch of white pepper, aromatic herbs, beeswax, peanut butter, and altitude-driven hydrocarbon notes. Drinking it feels like tasting the pure essence of a mountain stream flowing down from the snow-capped peaks- crisp, fresh, and utterly captivating.
Veneto
Now, let’s head to Veneto – and no, we’re not talking about Prosecco. Instead, we’re diving into a winemaking reality crafting excellence for nearly half a century: Fongaro, situated in the hills northeast of Verona, in the volcanic Lessini Mountains.
Since its inception, Fongaro has been dedicated to just one thing: classic method sparkling wine made from Durella – and they’ve done it organically since 1985. This native grape, known for its high acidity and somewhat stubborn nature, finds its best expression in sparkling form, delivering wines of remarkable character. Fongaro has long believed in its potential, and today, it stands as a benchmark producer for sparkling Durella.
One of their standout offerings is “Verde Pas Dosé,” a reserve aged for at least 50 months on the lees. This wine has everything it takes to compete at the highest level of sparkling wines. The nose is refined and complex, with delicate notes of white flowers, orange blossom water, vanilla, and candied fruit, evolving into hints of acacia honey and buttery French croissant.
On the palate, it’s dynamic, persistent, and undeniably classy. With bright freshness, deep minerality, and just the right touch of softness, it offers a beautifully well-rounded drinking experience – one that truly showcases the potential of Durella in the hands of a maestro.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is Italy’s another undoubtable answer to fine sparkling wines and while big-name producers have made Franciacorta a household name, personally (and this blog is all about personal opinions), the real treasures lie in its artisanal expressions – wines made with minimal intervention, deep respect for nature, and a commitment to biodiversity. These bubbles are born from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc, along with the lesser-known Erbamat, an ancient Brescian variety that has recently been revived. From the crisp and refreshing Brut to the bone-dry Dosaggio Zero and the elegant, creamy Franciacorta Satèn, there’s a style for every palate.
The Franciacorta DOCG appellation was officially established in 1967, but not all winemakers chose to stay within its boundaries. Some visionary artisans, driven by a desire for freedom and authenticity, stepped away from the denomination to craft their own identity. Wineries like Casa Caterina, Cà del Vent, Alessandra Divella, and Nicola Gatta are redefining what Franciacorta can be, producing natural, personal vision driven sparkling wines that have become cult favorites among wine enthusiasts. But it doesn’t stop there.
Just beyond Franciacorta’s eastern edge, tucked away in the rolling hills of Brescia’s natural park, lies Cherubini winery. Here, Mattia Cherubini works with terroir shaped over millennia-underground aquifers, limestone-rich rocks, and a clay subsoil that impart a striking minerality and freshness to his wines. The constant breeze and dramatic temperature swings create the perfect conditions for vibrant acidity and layered complexity.
Mattia’s Metodo Classico wines are made with zero dosage and aged in cement tanks, allowing the raw essence of the land to shine through.
This wine is a pure expression of Chardonnay. After a gentle pressing, the must is transferred to concrete tanks, where spontaneous fermentation unfolds over about twenty days. From there, patience takes the lead. The wine rests on the lees for at least 36 months, slowly developing complexity, texture, and depth. The result? A beautifully refined Classic Method sparkling wine that’s crisp, mineral-driven, and completely dry-zero dosage or Brut Nature. It’s taut and vibrant, with a bright freshness that makes it perfect for an aperitif, yet structured enough to hold its own throughout a meal. Savory, zesty, and deeply layered, this bottle is an everyday luxury that overdelivers in every way.
Sicily
Sicily may not be the first place that comes to mind for sparkling wine, but that’s quickly changing. Today, the island is experiencing a sparkling wine renaissance, with the production of classic method wines flourishing across the region. Each year, more wineries surprise and delight us with exciting new releases, crafted from white and red grapes, vinified into elegant whites and rosés. Sicily is carving out its place in the world of fine sparkling wines – one bottle at a time.
Sicily and the sparkling wine trend -what’s behind it? Is it the island’s warm climate, especially in summer, that calls for something crisp and refreshing? Or is it the winemakers, driven by an endless curiosity to experiment across this diverse landscape? I’d say it’s both – and that’s what makes it so exciting!
Several wineries have truly impressed me with their work so far. Starting with Etna, where Carricante and Nerello Mascalese shine, Nuzzella and DBE – De Bartoli Etna stand out. In Val di Noto, Francesca Curto is doing intriguing work with Nero d’Avola. Over in Camporeale, Porta del Vento is crafting remarkable wines from Catarratto and Perricone. Marsala, where the saline-influenced Grillo takes center stage, is home to Marco De Bartoli, the first in Sicily to masterfully vinify this variety.
Nevertheless, let’s not forget Alcamo, long known for Catarratto, the backbone of Alcamo Bianco DOC. This area is steadily gaining recognition.If you’re looking for a rare find, I have the perfect one for you to uncover!
Blanc de Blancs by Alessandro Viola hails from the picturesque town of Alcamo, one of Sicily’s rising stars in the world of natural wine, with an impressive concentration of dedicated producers.
This sparkling wine is both fruity and elegantly refined, crafted exclusively from 100% Catarratto grapes with no dosage, allowing its pure character to shine. The base wine is aged for four months, with 90% in steel and 10% in barrique, resting on the lees in the bottle for at least 20 months before disgorgement.
Enjoy it young to fully appreciate its vibrant floral and fruity aromas, complemented by notes of almond paste, wild herbs, beeswax, and a creamy freshness. A bright citrus finish rounds out this beautifully expressive wine. Or, if you prefer, let it rest in the cellar for a few years and discover how its complexity deepens over time.
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artisan wine,italian wine,metodo classico,sparkling wine
