Contratto

The new vintage sparkling wines have just been released...

Even better in quality with a slightly modified design...

- Millesimato Extra Brut 2009
- For England Pas Dose 2009
- For England Brut Rose 2009 and
- Blanc de Blancs Brut 2010

for further information review technical sheets under "WINES"

Contratto Blanc de Blancs 2009 awarded best sparkling wine of the year in the Netherlands...

click here for further information

Too cool to drink Contratto?

Justin Leone, Chef Sommelier of Tantris Restaurant in Munich (2 Star Michelin)

He might not speak perfect German, but he is a perfect sommelier
and one of the coolest, and very important,
he is a big CONTRATTO fan!

New: Vermouth & Co.

Today, with the revival of classic spirits and a booming cocktail culture, Contratto is reintroducing four historic products that embrace old tradition and modern demand, Contratto Vermouth Bianco, Vermouth Rosso, Americano Rosso and Fernet.

Using Cortese, an indigenous white grape variety, as the base the wine is being infused with 30 to 50 organic premium natural herbs, spices, roots and seeds and then fortified with Italian brandy. This traditional process is used to create a sophisticated elixir that is complex, fresh, exciting and well balanced between Asian medicinal herbs, Italian spices and citrus fruit. These are boutique aperitifs that will make any Vermouth or Americano based cocktail an exceptional experience.
click here for more information...

Press Release: February 22nd, Cigar Aficionado, A Trio of Vermouths for your Next Manhattan, click here to read
Press Release: March 16th, Yoopress, Vermouth - Comeback at Contratto click here to read
Press Release: June 2013, Zu Gast, Comeback mit Wuerze click here to read

About us

Contratto looks back at over 140 years of distinguished history. The winery was the first in Italy to make vintage "metodo classico" sparkling wine. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was the Contratto bubbles that were requested by the Vatican and the royal houses of Europe. In fact, the wines were exported to the far corners of the British Empire to be enjoyed by ambassadors and colonial governors.

Since June 2011 Contratto is officially in the hands of La Spinetta, but the idea of taking over the Contratto sparkling wine production was already "planted" in 2007. For 4 years La Spinetta has been secretly making metodo classico wines at Contratto, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from Oltrepo Pavese. We are working closely with grape growers in that area who understand what it means to be a grape grower of quality.

It is our long-term plan to invest in our own vineyards in Alta Langa to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Only with estate-grown fruit we may control fruit production, and ultimately, our quality 100%. Estate-grown fruit will then be the base for our special high-end Cru Spumante production.

With sparkling wine made from its own fruit, Contratto's ultimate goal is to prove that Northern Italy has the soil and climate to make Spumante wines that rival the top sparkling wines of the world. Contratto therefore will return to its rich heritage of 150 years of wine-making, but, enhanced now with modern knowledge and technology the winery will undoubtedly move ahead into a bright future.

pdf brochure to download