“Monticello”: the new Classic Method makes its debut with history, elegance, and bubbles

An audience of over 150 enthusiastic guests celebrated a “new beginning” for Monte delle Vigne: on Monday, 19 May, in the enchanting setting of the former San Cristoforo convent in Parma, “Monticello,” our first Classic Method, was unveiled—a wine born from years of research, patience, and vision. A private, refined, and unforgettable event.

There comes a moment in every winemaking story worth telling when anticipation meets excellence: that moment has arrived.

“Monticello stands on a different level compared to the classic sparkling wines we’ve made so far: it’s another step forward, always in pursuit of continuous improvement, just as when we decided to convert the entire winery to organic,” stated President Dr. Paolo Pizzarotti, who attended the event in person, given his deep connection not only with the winery but also with this prestigious venue.

An event that successfully combined the straightforward character of the Parma Hills with the timeless elegance of a grand occasion. The carefully selected guests—including agents, restaurateurs, Ho.Re.Ca buyers, and food and wine journalists—had the privilege of witnessing a debut set to leave its mark on the Italian sparkling wine scene.

“The 2022 harvest from our vineyards in the Parma Hills, carried out entirely by hand, allowed us to produce a wine suited for extended yeast fermentation, right up to the final disgorgement,” commented Andrea Bonini, agronomist and winemaker at Monte delle Vigne. A learned and passionate account that conveyed the complexity of the “Monticello project” and the courage of a winery that continues to innovate while never forgetting its roots.

“For the people of Ozzano Taro, Monticello has always been the name of the first little hill you encounter on the way up to the winery. To its fine perlage and the typical mineral freshness of Monte delle Vigne sparkling wines are added the legendary dynamism of Barbera and the ‘creamy touch’ from aging in tonneaux acquired by Klaus Pauscha for this project,” explains Lorenzo Numanti, who adds, “The goal was to produce a sparkling wine capable of competing with the finest references from across the Alps, yet without betraying its Emilian soul.”

Celebrating this new release was an exceptional gastronomic mise en place curated by Mauro Fontana and chef Danilo Bottazzi: a selection of raw land and seafood delicacies—including Gillardeau oysters—designed to highlight the wine’s versatility and structure. The nuances of red prawns, the delicacy of carpaccio, the complexity of warm preparations: each tasting a journey, each glass of the Classic Method leaving behind a dark period for wine producers and marking “a new beginning,” as the invitation card proclaimed.

With Monticello, Monte delle Vigne takes an important step toward a new production dimension, marking the winery’s official entry into the world of quality sparkling wines. A toast that tastes like future yet is firmly rooted in the winemaking history of Parma Hills.

Download here the Gazzetta di Parma article.

Download here the Gusto insert article.

Download here the invitation for business clients in Italy.

Download here the invitation for business clients from Parma.