91 points Vinous

The 2020 Extra Brut Alta Langa opens with an understated blend of white flowers, freshly sliced pears and hints of spice. It’s lively on the palate, silken and round, with a creamy bead of bubbles and ripe orchard fruits that soothe the senses. This finishes with a gentle flinty mineral tinge and medium-length as a twang of lemon oil and ginger slowly fade. (Lot# 17/21)

Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo
Farming: Certified organic
Vineyard: 350 M, Limestone and marl
Winemaking: whole cluster press with brief maceration, controlled low temperature fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts
Aging: 18 months on the lees
Importer: Several years ago, Sergio Germano made an experimental batch of 'classic method' sparkling wine from early harvested Nebbiolo, and it was delicious. Red berries, bright acidity, beautiful pink color, I was smitten. Now we have enough to actually sell the wine (once my crew has had a crack at it), and we are very happy. The 'Rosanna' is named after Sergio's mother; it's made of green-harvested Nebbiolo from around his winery, all Barolo vineyards. It’s dry, delicious and complex, perfect as an aperitif but I think it would be great with salmon, too.

From the hills of Serralunga d’Alba in Barolo, Ettore Germano has earned a reputation not only for finely crafted Barolo but also for innovative sparkling wines that highlight the versatility of Piedmont’s native grapes. The Rosanna cuvée is a rare sparkling rosé made entirely from Nebbiolo, produced in homage to Sergio Germano’s wife, Rosanna. The fruit comes from estate vineyards in Serralunga, planted on limestone and clay marl soils that lend both structure and finesse.

This is crafted in the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees aging (typically around 24–36 months). The result is a sparkling wine that combines Nebbiolo’s natural perfume and structure with the elegance and creaminess of classic-method bubbles. Dosage is kept very low, allowing purity and precision to shine.

In the glass, Rosanna shows a delicate pale onion-skin or coral-pink hue with a fine, persistent mousse. Aromatically, it is vivid and refined: wild strawberries, pomegranate, and blood orange mingle with rose petals, spice, and a gentle herbal note. The Nebbiolo character is unmistakable, yet rendered in a more delicate register.

The palate is brisk and lively, carried by vibrant acidity and a chalky mineral backbone. Red berry and citrus flavors unfold into savory nuances of dried herbs and subtle earth, balanced by a creamy texture from extended lees contact. The finish is long and dry, with lingering notes of raspberry and crushed flowers.

This is an elegant and highly distinctive sparkling wine—one that bridges tradition and innovation in Piedmont. It works beautifully as an aperitif but also shines at the table, pairing with antipasti, cured meats, salmon, or even roasted poultry.

Ettore Germano’s Nebbiolo Brut Rosanna NV is a sparkling rosé of character and finesse, combining the soul of Barolo with the precision of traditional-method winemaking.