Casa E. Di Mirafiore Alta Langa Brut Blanc De Noirs 2018 (750ml) *

Piedmont is better known for Barolo and Barbaresco, but its Alta Langa zone turns out serious traditional-method sparkling wine, made with a secondary fermentation in the bottle much like Champagne. This one from Casa E. di Mirafiore is a Brut Blanc de Noirs, meaning it draws its structure and depth from dark-skinned grapes vinified without their color, and the 2018 vintage gives it a base to build on. Expect the fine, persistent bead and dry, savory profile that define the category.