Nini Alessandra Divella Zero Dosaggio 2020

Nini Alessandra Divella Zero Dosaggio, Natural Sparkling Wine, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, from Gussago in the Franciacorta region of Lombardy.  When you think about top quality Methode Champenoise Sparkling Wine, you may not think of a tiny two hectare vineyard in Gussago.  But you should, Nin Alessandra Divella is one of our finds of the year.  It is a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vines on the lower slopes above Gussago which is the north east of Franciacorta.   Alessandra works alone and does everything by hand, even pressing the fruit with an old basket press.  She only makes just under 1000 bottles of this wine.  It is absolutely superb.  The long lees ageing adds depth and creamy complexity. The vineyards in Gussago give the fruit higher acidity and natural production means superb balance of fruit, acidity and body.  Nini Alessandra Divella is a stunning wine, better than most Champagne at this price.  It is creamy, yet subtle, nutty and fruity, lightly citrus with almonds and hazelnut.  If you love top quality Sparkling, you must try this.

Alessandra Divella Sparkling Wine makes wine in Franciacorta however the wines do not carry the name.  She is based in Gussago.  This region of Gussago lies in the north-western part of Franciacorta, a few hundred metres above sea level, an altitude difference which has a huge impact on the style of the wine.  Gussago also has unique terroir.  It is of Jurassic origin and the wines are lighter and more subtle than the main areas of Franciacorta. It is a region where sadly large scale, industrial production and chemical use dominate.  Alessandra who is still only in her early 30s started as a wine maker from simply being a natural wine lover and so this was always the direction for her. 

At Alessandra Divella Sparkling Wine, vineyards are organic and low intervention.  All fermentations are spontaneous.  She works in the cellar only by hand including the gentle pressing of the grapes she does in a small basket press.  Have a look here at her story in pictures.

The wines have an incredible level of style, subtle yet complex, stunning texture and freshness. When natural wine combines these elements, they are truly stunning and a joy to drink. These wines from Alessandra Divella are like that, simply a joy.