{"product_id":"banfi-cuvze-aurora-2018","title":"Banfi Cuvée Aurora Alta Langa DOCG Extra Brut 2018","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinery Background and History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFounded in 1978 by the Italian-American Mariani family, Banfi is a prominent winery with estates in both Tuscany and Piedmont. While renowned for its Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi has also been instrumental in revitalizing Piedmont’s sparkling wine tradition. In 1990, Banfi was among the pioneers promoting Metodo Classico sparkling wines in Piedmont, contributing to the establishment of the Alta Langa DOCG in 2008. The Cuvée Aurora line reflects Banfi’s commitment to quality and innovation in Italian winemaking. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProducer and Winemaker\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBanfi’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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVineyards and Micro Climate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 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. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVinification \u0026amp; Aging Methods\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 2018 vintage experienced a high frequency of rains, leading to challenges in vineyard management. However, a delayed harvest allowed for the selection of high-quality grapes. The must underwent temperature-controlled fermentation at 17°C in stainless steel tanks. A portion of the cuvée from the previous vintage, aged in French oak barriques, was added to enhance complexity. Secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle following the Metodo Classico, with the wine resting on its lees for a minimum of 30 months before disgorgement. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe Cuvée Aurora 2018 presents a straw yellow color with fine and persistent perlage. The bouquet is intense and fragrant, featuring hints of candied citrus peel, acacia honey, and aromatic herbs. On the palate, the wine is elegant and mineral-driven, offering a fresh and savory finish that reflects its high-altitude origins and meticulous vinification process. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood \u0026amp; Wine Pairing\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis 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. \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eService Methods and Temperatures\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eServe the Cuvée Aurora 2018 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStorage and Aging Potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhile 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape Varietals \u0026amp; Percentage Used\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePinot Noir: 70%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eChardonnay: 30% \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eABV (Alcohol by Volume)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e12.5%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScores\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFalstaff\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e: 89\/100\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ASC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47922377785558,"sku":null,"price":339.0,"currency_code":"HKD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0809\/5465\/4934\/files\/BanfiCuveeAurora.png?v=1773669583","url":"https:\/\/www.pinotera.com\/products\/banfi-cuvze-aurora-2018","provider":"Pinotera Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}