Farfalla Cave Privée Zero Dosage 2016 - Ballabio

Farfalla Cave Privée Zero Dosage 2016 – Ballabio

Ballabio is one of the historic houses of the Oltrepò Pavese, founded at Casteggio in the early twentieth century and among the area's pioneers of the traditional method. The Farfalla line is devoted entirely to sparkling Pinot Noir, and Cave Privée is its longest-aged, most ambitious vintage selection.

The grapes come from three Pinot Noir vineyards of around thirty years of age between Casteggio and Montecalvo Versiggia, hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, using only the free-run juice. Fermentation takes place partly in steel and partly in 700-litre casks, without malolactic; then comes the long second fermentation, with about eight years on the lees, and disgorgement with no liqueur added.

The 2016 combines the tension of zero dosage with the depth of long ageing: white-fleshed fruit, citrus, bread crust and hazelnut, with a fine, creamy mousse and a savoury finish. For a special aperitif, raw seafood, fried fish and richer fish dishes.

At a glance: Pinot Nero 100% · 12.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Ballabio, Oltrepò Pavese