Collection: Alta Langa: Marcalberto

Marcalberto: Pioneering Excellence in Alta Langa's Sparkling Tradition

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Piedmont’s Alta Langa DOCG, Marcalberto stands as a visionary family estate dedicated exclusively to crafting Metodo Classico sparkling wines of precision, terroir expression, and innovative sustainability. Founded in 1993 by oenologist Piero Cane and now steered by his sons Marco and Alberto, this boutique winery combines generations of expertise with a relentless pursuit of purity, earning acclaim for pioneering Italy’s first serial-produced sulfite-free sparkling wine.

Terroir and Viticulture
Spanning 6 hectares across the communes of Santo Stefano Belbo, Calosso, and Cossano Belbo, Marcalberto’s vineyards thrive at 150–360 meters elevation on mineral-rich marly limestone soils, locally termed "white lands" for their chalky brilliance. The high-altitude slopes, cooled by Alpine breezes and warmed by Mediterranean sunlight, create an ideal microclimate for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the estate’s sole focus. Vines are trained in the Guyot system, with yields capped at 7,000 kg/hectare to concentrate flavours. Certified sustainable practices, including hand-harvesting and organic treatments, ensure each cluster reflects the Alta Langa’s distinct minerality.

Winemaking Philosophy: Tradition Meets Revolution
Marcalberto’s approach marries time-honoured techniques with ground-breaking innovation:

Sulfite-Free Mastery: Inspired by a transformative Champagne tasting, Alberto developed Alta Langa DOCG Nature: 100% Pinot Noir fermented with native yeasts, aged in used French oak, and bottled without added sulfites. This wine undergoes secondary fermentation via the Metodo Classico, resting 24–30 months on lees to develop creamy texture and complex notes of citrus, rusk, and wet stone.

Oak Integration: Wines like the Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) ferment partially in neutral French barrels, with bâtonnage (lees stirring) enhancing richness without masking terroir.

Zero Intervention: All cuvées avoid filtration and clarification, relying on natural decantation to preserve vibrancy.

Iconic Wines
Alta Langa DOCG Nature: A trailblazing sulfite-free sparkler (100% Pinot Noir) with 2.8 g/L dosage, offering vibrant acidity and aromas of mint and pastry.

Alta Langa DOCG Blanc de Blancs: Pas dosé (1.9 g/L) Chardonnay, marked by toasted hazelnut, bread crust, and saline freshness.

Vintage Millesimato: Pinot Noir-Chardonnay blends aged 30+ months on lees, showcasing white fruit and almond nuances.

Legacy and Vision
Operating from a restored 19th-century cellar, the Cane family balances heritage with forward-thinking initiatives:

Sustainable Packaging: Lightweight bottles and custom recyclable boxes reduce environmental impact.

Marcalberto Experience: An immersive tasting program in a modern plexiglass-and-wood showcase, allowing guests to explore cuvées like the Extra Brut alongside local gastronomy.

Global Recognition: Praised by critics for "vibrant complexity" and "exquisite perlage," their wines embody Alta Langa’s rise as Italy’s answer to Champagne.

For lovers of artisan sparkling wine, Marcalberto represents a journey into Piedmont’s high-altitude soul, where tradition and audacity unite in every effervescent sip.