Vipra Spumante Brut (Non-vintage) - Bigi
In the picturesque region of Orvieto, among the gentle Umbrian hills, stands the Bigi winery, a name that resonates in the history of Italian wine. Founded in 1880, Bigi was one of the first wineries to take Umbrian wine beyond the region's borders. Vipra Spumante Brut, an intriguing blend of Chardonnay and Grechetto, is a tribute to tradition and innovation alike. The name "Vipra" is no accident: it evokes the old legend of a viper which, according to local folklore, guarded the secrets of the finest vineyards.
Vipra Spumante Brut (Non-vintage) - Bigi
Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
Appellation: Table wine
Grape variety: Chardonnay, Grechetto
Vintage: Non-vintage
Winery: Bigi
Alcohol: 12%
The appellation: Table wine
Table wine, or more correctly today wine without an appellation, is the simplest and freest category in the wine world. It does not fall within the official IGP, DOC or DOCG classifications, and for this reason it is not subject to production rules, compulsory geographical areas or regulations on grape varieties and yields. But take care: this does not automatically mean low-quality wine. On the contrary, many artisan and natural producers deliberately choose this category so they can experiment, innovate or avoid regulatory constraints, offering unique wines that break the mould.
Find out more about Vino da tavolaWhat to eat with Vipra Spumante Brut
Who makes it: Bigi
The Bigi winery, in the heart of Umbria, is an example of how Italian winemaking tradition can blend with innovation. With a history rooted in an area rich in culture and biodiversity, Bigi stands out for wines that express the authenticity and typicity of the region. The vineyards stretch over sunny hills, where the grapes ripen slowly, developing unique aromas and flavours. Bigi's wines are a sensory journey that tells the story of Italy and of its winemaking tradition. Its flagship wines include full-bodied reds and fresh whites, all marked by careful attention in the cellar and in ageing. Every bottle is the result of meticulous work that respects the environment and champions native varieties.
Read more about BigiThe vine of Vipra Spumante Brut
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and prestigious white grape varieties in the world, originally from Burgundy, in France. Thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and soils, Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions, expressing unique characteristics according to the terroir and the winemaking style.
Find out moreGrechetto
Grechetto is an indigenous white grape variety of central Italy, particularly widespread in Umbria but also found in other regions such as Lazio, Tuscany and the Marche. Known for its versatility and its ability to produce fresh, structured and long-lived wines, Grechetto is one of the symbols of Umbrian winemaking.
Find out moreVipra Spumante Brut: the Orvieto area
Orvieto
The Orvieto area, in the heart of Umbria, is one of the oldest and most fascinating wine areas in Italy. Known for its fresh, mineral white wines, the area combines a unique terroir, a thousand-year-old winemaking tradition and a great variety of wine styles. Thanks to its volcanic soils and favourable microclimate, Orvieto is a byword for quality and authenticity.
Find out more about OrvietoClimate: Mediterranean
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Clay
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Vipra Spumante Brut
Primary aromas: Citrus, White flowers, Green apple
Secondary aromas: Yeast
Tertiary aromas: Citrus, White flowers, Yeast, Green apple
Tasting notes: A simple sparkling wine with notes of green apple, white flowers and citrus. Fresh and lively, ideal for aperitifs.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Lively |
| Acidity | Medium |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Brut |
| Finish | Short |
| Colour | Pale straw yellow |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Vipra Spumante Brut
Charmat method (secondary fermentation in tank)
Secondary fermentation in tank, also known as the Charmat method, is a winemaking technique used to produce fresh, aromatic sparkling wines. This process takes place in large pressure vessels (autoclaves), where the wine undergoes a second fermentation thanks to the addition of sugars and selected yeasts. Characteristics of the Charmat Method Colour Whites: Bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: Pale pink or bright salmon tones. Aromas Fruity: Notes of green apple, pear, peach and citrus. Floral: Hints of white flowers, acacia and wisteria. Flavour Fresh and lively: With balanced acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. Light and harmonious: Ideal for drinking young and straight away. Stages of the Process 1. First Fermentation The must ferments to turn the sugars into alcohol, producing the base wine. 2. Second Fermentation The base wine is transferred into autoclaves, where the tirage liqueur (sugars and yeasts) is added. The secondary fermentation then begins, with the development of carbon dioxide and bubbles. 3. Stabilisation The sparkling wine is chilled and filtered to remove the yeast residues. 4. Bottling Once the process is complete, the wine is bottled under pressure to keep the mousse. Types of Sparkling Wine Charmat Method Brut: Up to 12 g/l of residual sugar, fresh and dry. Extra Dry: 12-17 g/l of residual sugar, soft and fruity. Dry: 17-32 g/l of residual sugar, balanced sweetness. Ideal Grape Varieties for the Charmat Method White Grape Varieties Glera: The heart of Prosecco production. Moscato Bianco: Perfect for aromatic and sweet sparkling wines. Chardonnay: Adds elegance and structure. Black Grape Varieties Pinot Nero: Used for elegant, aromatic rosés. Food Pairings Brut Sparkling Wines Starters: Fish tartare, salmon carpaccio. First Courses: Pasta al limone, vegetable risotto. Extra Dry Sparkling Wines Seafood Dishes: Grilled prawns, fried squid. Fried Food: Vegetable tempura, mixed fried fish. Sweet Sparkling Wines Desserts: Fruit tarts, dry biscuits. Fruit: Strawberries, melon, peach. Why Choose Secondary Fermentation in Tank? The Charmat method is ideal for anyone looking for fresh, aromatic and hugely versatile sparkling wines. Perfect for aperitifs, toasts and light pairings, it expresses at its best the characteristics of the grape variety and the terroir.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Vipra Spumante Brut
In stainless steel
Ageing in stainless steel is a winemaking practice aimed at preserving the freshness, aromatic integrity and varietal purity of the wine. It is used above all for white, rosé and young red wines, but also for light, easy-drinking reds that do not require maturation in wood. Stainless steel vessels are inert and impermeable to oxygen, so they do not interact with the wine: this makes it possible to bring out the fruity, floral and mineral component of the grape and of the terroir.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Vipra Spumante Brut
- No contact with the lees