Cascina Melognis is a small mountain estate in the Colline Saluzzesi, the foothills of the Cottian Alps southwest of Turin. Founded by Michele Fino and Vanina Carta, it is part of a quiet revival in this far corner of Piedmont, working with forgotten heritage grapes alongside mountain Pinot Nero. The vines grow on steep terraces between 400 and 500 meters, where cool alpine air and metamorphic soils of decomposed schist, granite gravel, and acidic clay produce fruit with striking freshness and tension.

"Olim Atrum" is Latin for "once dark," a nod to the fact that this white sparkling wine is made entirely from red grapes. It is the estate's top metodo classico Blanc de Noirs. The 2019 Pinot Nero was hand-harvested at low yields to keep its acidity bright, pressed gently with no skin contact, and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. After its second fermentation in bottle, it aged on the lees for more than 36 months in the estate's cold mountain cellar and was finished with zero dosage, so nothing stands between the drinker and the wine's pure alpine character.

Why You'll Love It

• A rare, artisanal mountain Blanc de Noirs from the alpine foothills of Saluzzo, bone-dry and full of energy.
• The nose shows tart red currant, white raspberry, and green apple, layered with fresh brioche and wild alpine herbs.
• More than three years on the lees adds notes of almond paste and toasted bread without any oak.
• The zero-dosage finish is taut and stony, with crushed-quartz minerality and a fine, persistent bead.
• A thrilling alternative to Champagne for curious sparkling lovers, and a natural fit for celebrations and aperitivo hour alike.

How To Serve It

• Serve chilled, between 46 and 50°F.
• No decanting needed. Open and pour to enjoy its lively mousse.
• Pour into all-purpose white wine stems to show off its toasty and herbal aromas.
• Pair with vitello tonnato, crisp fried trout, warm bagna càuda with vegetables, agnolotti del plin in sage butter, or aged Castelmagno.