班菲 Aurora 特釀葡萄酒 2018

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1978 by the Italian-American Mariani family, Banfi is a prominent winery with estates in both Tuscany and Piedmont. While renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi has also been instrumental in revitalizing Piedmont’s sparkling wine tradition. In 1990, Banfi was among the pioneers promoting Metodo Classico sparkling wines in Piedmont, contributing to the establishment of the Alta Langa DOCG in 2008. The Cuvée Aurora line reflects Banfi’s commitment to quality and innovation in Italian winemaking.

Producer and Winemaker

Banfi’s winemaking philosophy combines tradition with modern techniques. The production of Cuvée Aurora is overseen by a dedicated team in Piedmont, focusing on meticulous grape selection and adherence to the Metodo Classico process. The winery emphasizes sustainability and precision in both vineyard management and cellar practices to produce elegant and expressive sparkling wines.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The grapes for Cuvée Aurora are sourced from hilltop vineyards in the Alta Langa region, encompassing the provinces of Cuneo, Asti, and Alessandria. These vineyards are situated at elevations between 250 and 750 meters above sea level, benefiting from a continental climate with significant diurnal temperature variations. The soils are predominantly marly-calcareous with a small percentage of clay, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine’s minerality and freshness.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2018 vintage experienced a high frequency of rains, leading to challenges in vineyard management. However, a delayed harvest allowed for the selection of high-quality grapes. The must underwent temperature-controlled fermentation at 17°C in stainless steel tanks. A portion of the cuvée from the previous vintage, aged in French oak barriques, was added to enhance complexity. Secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle following the Metodo Classico, with the wine resting on its lees for a minimum of 30 months before disgorgement.

Tasting Notes

The Cuvée Aurora 2018 presents a straw yellow color with fine and persistent perlage. The bouquet is intense and fragrant, featuring hints of candied citrus peel, acacia honey, and aromatic herbs. On the palate, the wine is elegant and mineral-driven, offering a fresh and savory finish that reflects its high-altitude origins and meticulous vinification process.

Food & Wine Pairing

This sparkling wine is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is ideal as an aperitif and complements oysters, raw and cooked seafood, shellfish, and delicate fish preparations. Its crisp acidity and refined bubbles also make it suitable for pairing with light appetizers and creamy cheeses.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the Cuvée Aurora 2018 chilled at a temperature of 8–10°C (46–50°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and effervescence. Use a tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass to concentrate the aromas and guide the bubbles to the palate. No decanting is necessary; however, allowing the wine to rest for a few minutes after opening can enhance its expressive qualities.

Storage and Aging Potential

While this wine is ready to enjoy upon release, it possesses the structure and acidity to age gracefully for an additional 3–5 years under proper storage conditions—cool, dark, and with consistent humidity. Over time, it may develop more complex tertiary aromas, including notes of toasted nuts and brioche.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• Pinot Noir: 70%

• Chardonnay: 30%

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5%

Scores

• Falstaff: 89/100