Alta Langa Metodo Classico is produced the same way as Champagne.
Italian Metodo Classico production started in Piemonte, close to France both geographically and historically.
The Italians copied the French Champagne production method using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (Nero) as early as 1850.
In the 1970s, the sweet Asti Spumante was more popular than Metodo Classico wines, but in the 1990s, a group of serious producers started to produce quality bottle-fermented wines.
In 2002, Alta Langa got a DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) for the Metodo Classico wine, and in 2011 it was added a DOCG:
Production Area: Asti. Alessandria. Cuneo.
Grapes: Minimum 90% Chardonnay and/or Pinot Nero.
Ageing: 30 months. Riserva: 36 months.