Ermes Pavese Blanc de Morgex et De la Salle Metodo Classico Pavese “XXIV” 2020
A stunning sparkling wine from the highest vineyard site in Europe, with annual production of about 12,000 bottles of this austere, racy, mineral white wine with vivacity and length. Based on the local Prié Blanc, planted on the native rootstock as the phylloxera did not reach this height. The wine sees zero dosage and spends several years on the lees.
Pavese’s sparkling wine is sourced entirely from one vintage with- out reserve wine and is vinified according to the “traditional method.” Produced only in riper vintages when Pavese feels the grapes have an appropriate balance for sparkling wine, it is hand riddled and hand disgorged with no dosage added. As unusual as it is delicious, this wine is at once rich and quite dry, speaking clearly of its Alpine origin, with delicate smokiness and lemon curd on the nose, and full, earthy minerality on the palate.
Fermentation: Wine ferments with pied de cuve and selected yeasts in stainless-steel tanks.
Pressing: Pneumatic whole-cluster direct pressing
Time on Lees: Wine remains on fine lees until bottling and spends c. 18 months sur lattes prior to disgorgement
Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked by naturally high acidity
Élevage: 9 months in stainless-steel tanks
Press Wine: Blended after pressing
Dosage: Zero dosage, wine is brut nature
Fining and Filtration: Bentonite fined, sterile cross filtered
Sulfur: Applied at harvest, rackings, and bottling, with c. 84 mg/l total sulfur
