班菲 Aurora 特釀葡萄酒 2019

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1978 by the Mariani family, Banfi is a renowned Italian winery with estates in both Tuscany and Piedmont. While initially celebrated for its Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi expanded its vision to Piedmont in the early 1990s, aiming to revive the region’s sparkling wine tradition. Collaborating with other producers, Banfi played a pivotal role in establishing the Alta Langa DOCG in 2008. The Cuvée Aurora line, introduced in 1997, embodies Banfi’s commitment to quality and innovation in Metodo Classico sparkling wines.

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

Harvested manually in mid-September, the grapes undergo a traditional Metodo Classico process. After soft pressing and static clarification, fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures (17°C) in stainless steel tanks. The final cuvée consists of 90% clear wine and 10% of the previous vintage’s wine aged in French oak barriques. Secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, with the wine resting on its lees for a minimum of 30 months before disgorgement. This extended aging imparts complexity and depth to the wine.

Tasting Notes

The Cuvée Aurora 2019 presents a straw yellow color with fine and persistent perlage. The bouquet is intense and fragrant, featuring hints of candied citrus peel, toasted hazelnut, and aromatic herbs. On the palate, the wine is well-structured and full-bodied, offering a harmonious balance of acidity and savory notes, culminating in a fresh and slightly bitter finish. The inclusion of aged cuvée from the previous vintage adds roundness and longevity to the profile.

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 2019 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

• Wine Enthusiast: 91/100

• James Suckling: 91/100