![ELEMENT[AL]](https://www.dynamiki-sa.gr/uploads/1/image_png/o_1j1b5qeal171f6oe1vcra0tf3ir.png)
Contratto, one of the oldest Italian wineries, was founded in 1867 by Giuseppe Contratto, pioneering the production of sparkling wine with bottle fermentation. From the beginning of the 20th century, the winery established itself internationally, supplying wines to royal courts and the Vatican. In 1919, it innovated by producing the first Italian vintage sparkling wine.
In 1993, the Bocchino family took over Contratto, restoring the historic premises. In 2011, the Rivetti family, recognizing the potential of the winery, proceeded to purchase the winery and focused on growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
In 2014, Contratto's historic cellars, carved into limestone rocks and extending over 5,000 square metres, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, Contratto remains a benchmark in Italian sparkling wines, focusing on vineyard quality and the Classico method, with a stock of over 1.5 million bottles patiently aged in its unique underground facilities.
The wine has a bright straw yellow colour and an aroma with notes of orange blossom, peach and caramelized lemon peel. On the palate, it is fresh and refined, with subtle notes of yeasty pastries and lime. The finish is clean, with excellent and persistent bubbles that enhance the overall sense of refinement.
The vineyards of Bossolasco are able to give us a unique Chardonnay, that is interesting while young but grows even more interesting for those who are able to wait. Fragrant and refined, the nose recalls notes of flowers and biscotti. The palate is precise and savory, with a very fine and persistent perlage. Destemming and soft pressing, without pressing the grapes, in a way to obtain only the best and most balanced juice from our grapes, the flower must. First fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks followed by almost 9 months of aging. Second fermentation in bottle followed by almost 36 months again on lees. Riddling is done by hand.
The “For England” sparkling wine was created in the 1920s for the British market. It was a time when the British were developing a taste for dry bubbles. Between 1950s-1960s “For England” was introduced to the Italian market where it immediately enjoyed great success. The For England Blanc de Noirs’s nose is full of white fruit with notes of flowers and citrus. The palate offers flavor of mandarin and pink grapefruit. The finish is dry and fresh, with a persistent perlage.
The Millesimato celebrates, the Contratto's wish to make only vintage sparkling wines, which therefore emphasizes the peculiarities of each harvest. The wine has an intense straw yellow colour and an aroma with subtle notes of orange blossom, brioche and white peach. On the palate, it is fresh and complex, with notes of bread crust, aromatic herbs and bergamot. Its bubble is persistent and extremely fine, offering a sense of refinement and lasting freshness.
