Founded in 1867 by Giuseppe Contratto, Contratto is one of Italy’s oldest and most historic sparkling wine producers. Based in Canelli, Piedmont, the estate is recognised as the birthplace of the first Italian Metodo Classico sparkling wine made from Piedmontese grapes. The historic underground cellars of Contratto, carved into the hills beneath Canelli, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 as part of the “Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato”, recognising their cultural and winemaking significance.

During the early 20th century, Contratto gained international recognition for its traditional-method sparkling wines, including supplying wines to European royal courts and diplomatic circles. After changing ownership in the late 20th century, the estate was acquired by the Rossi Cairo family, owners of the renowned Coppo winery, who revitalised Contratto’s historic reputation by focusing on premium Alta Langa DOCG Metodo Classico wines. Today, Contratto remains dedicated to long lees ageing, traditional bottle fermentation and expressing the elegance of Piedmontese Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The 2019 Contratto Blanc de Blancs Pas Dosé Alta Langa DOCG is a vintage Metodo Classico sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay. The grapes are sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Bossolasco, located in the Alta Langa hills, where cooler temperatures and significant diurnal variation help preserve acidity and aromatic complexity.

The 2019 Blanc de Blancs Pas Dosé represents a precise, mineral-driven expression of Italian Chardonnay sparkling wine. The absence of dosage allows the vineyard character and natural acidity to take centre stage. It offers aromas of white flowers, citrus peel, green apple, pear and freshly baked biscuits, followed by notes of almond, chalk and subtle pastry complexity from extended lees ageing.

On the palate, it is elegant and energetic, with a fine, persistent mousse, bright acidity and a saline mineral finish. The wine has the structure and tension of a Champagne Blanc de Blancs while maintaining the distinctive freshness and alpine character of Alta Langa.

" The 2019 Contratto Blanc de Blancs Pas Dosé received recognition in Italian wine guides, praised for its precision, fine bubbles and balance between Chardonnay richness and mineral freshness. " -- Gambero Rosso , Tre Bicchieri