# Il Brut and The Beast (NV)

- **Producer:** Valli Unite
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Cortese
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 6–8 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, lemon, pear, grapefruit, bread, biscuit, toast

## About this wine

Established in 1981 in Costa Vescovato within Piedmont's Colli Tortonesi, Valli Unite is an organic agricultural cooperative founded by local farmers committed to preserving rural farming traditions. Today, the 35-member collective manages 100 hectares of biodiverse land, integrating livestock, cereal crops, and organic vineyards. Under head winemaker Alessandro Poretti, the estate operates with a strong environmental and social philosophy, crafting authentic low-intervention wines that reflect the unique terroir of Southeast Piedmont.

## Interesting facts

- The name plays on 'Brut' (dry wine) and 'Bruto' (Italian for raw or unpolished), highlighting its wild Pet-Nat character.
- Secondary bottle fermentation is re-triggered naturally using reserved cold unfermented must from the same harvest.
- Valli Unite is a multi-farm cooperative combining vineyards, pasture land for 50 cattle, cereal fields, and beehives.

## Food pairing

High natural acidity and lively effervescence cut effortlessly through rich, fried, or salty textures, making it an excellent companion for seafood, charcuterie, and light antipasti. The crisp finish cleanses the palate after rich bites.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested in mid-September to retain energetic acidity, Cortese grapes undergo a 30-day primary spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Secondary fermentation occurs naturally in bottle via the ancestral method, triggered by adding chilled unfermented grape must from the same vintage prior to capping. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal added sulfur and sealed with a crown cap.