Kettmeir 2019 Athesis Brut from Alto Adige, a northern Italian region, is one of the brightest examples of “Champagne-not-Champagne.” It displays the hallmark features of its “brother from another mother” in France and more.
Step into the rich history of Kettmeir, a winery founded by Giuseppe Kettmeir in 1919. Located in Caldaro, Alto Adige, Kettmeir has produced quality wines for over a century. Recognizing the potential of the sparkling wines, in 1964, the winery began producing prestigious Cuvée sparkling wines from Pinot Bianco grapes using the extended Charmat Method.
In 1992, the winery transitioned to the Metodo Classico (Traditional) method, further expanding its range of wines.
Athesis Brut is made from three classic grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero. These grapes undergo a careful process of soft-pressing and separate fermentation at a controlled temperature of 14 – 16 °C. The wine then matures in stainless steel tanks on the lees, with liqueur de tirage added to the cuvée. It is finally bottled and sealed with crown caps, ready for secondary fermentation in the cellar at 10 – 12 °C. The wine rests on its lees for an average of 24 months before being disgorged and released for sale.
The steely mineral and sweet dough bready notes jumped right out, showing off the wine’s time spent on lees, resulting in a full-bodied texture and rich, creamy mousse. The notes of orange, apricot, lemon, and caramelized apple tart crust intertwined on the palate and nose, making us reach for the next sip until Athesis Brut was gone.
We paired with Kumamoto oysters, and Ahtesis went hand in hand with oysters’ salty minerality. The bright citrus and apricot balanced Kumamoto’s savory umami flavors. Who would’ve thought that Italian bubbles would pair well with local oysters?!
In 2023, Athesis Brut Alto Adige 2019 was honored with a Gold Medal at The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships, earning the title of “Best Italian Sparkling Wine.”
This achievement resoundingly marked the winery’s 100th anniversary and solidified Kettmeir’s position as one of Italy’s premier Metodo Classico sparkling wine producers.
Kettmeir and many other traditional bubble producers from lesser-known regions than Champagne should be more appreciated for the quality of their wines.
Have you ever had better “Champagne” than Champagne? (pun intended). “Champagne” in parenthesis means bubbles made following Méthode Champenoise, the traditional or classic method, equal or better in quality.
We did, and on more occasions than we can remember! Kettmeir Athesis Brut is one of the best alternatives!
Let’s start an online challenge, “Champagne-not-Champagne,” and share labels of the bubbles that you think beat the mediocre Champagne on quality and price.