The Praeclarus Pas Dosé 2020 represents the pinnacle of Sankt Pauls' stylistic precision. If the Brut is synonymous with harmony, the Pas Dosé is the purest, barest, and most vertical expression of high-altitude Chardonnay. The absence of dosage (sugars added during disgorgement) allows the calcareous terroir of Appiano to express itself without filters.
Sankt Pauls - Praeclarus Pas Dosé 2020: The Purity of High Altitude
The Praeclarus Pas Dosé 2020 is a Metodo Classico of extreme frankness and rigor. Produced exclusively with Chardonnay grapes selected from the highest and most ventilated vineyards of San Paolo, this sparkling wine is designed for those seeking the authentic essence of alpine bubbles. The 2020 vintage yielded grapes with pronounced acidity and a very fine aromatic profile, which the long aging on the lees has transformed into a complex and vibrant structure. It is an elite wine, straightforward and savory, that does not compromise with sweetness, focusing entirely on sharp minerality and endless persistence.
Sensory Profile In the glass, it presents a pale straw yellow with brilliant greenish reflections and an extremely fine perlage, almost creamy in its persistence. On the nose, the attack is mineral and chalky, followed by notes of cedar zest, green apple, white mountain flowers, and a delicate trail of toasted almond and fresh yeast. On the palate, the entry is striking: a blade of iodized freshness cuts through the sip, balanced by a solid and dry structure. The finish is very long, clean, with a citrusy and saline return that constantly invites further sips.
Winemaking and Aging The Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested in crates and pressed whole-cluster to extract only the free-run juice. Fermentation takes place at low temperatures in steel and, partially, in large wooden barrels to impart complexity. The re-fermentation in the bottle is followed by aging on the lees, which for the 2020 vintage lasted for about 48-60 months. At the end, disgorgement occurs without the addition of liqueur d'expédition, keeping the natural residual sugar close to zero.
Food Pairings It is the Champagne of the Alps, perfect for high-level gastronomic pairings. Excellent with oysters, caviar, white fish tartare, and grilled crustaceans. Its great cleanliness also makes it ideal with crispy fried dishes, vegetable tempura, or fatty dishes such as Lardo di Colonnata and very aged alpine cheeses.
Technical Data
Producer: Cantina Sankt Pauls
Wine: Alto Adige DOC Spumante (Metodo Classico)
Name: Praeclarus Pas Dosé
Vintage: 2020
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Alto Adige (Appiano)
Aging: Minimum 48-60 months on lees
Dosage: Pas Dosé (Dosage Zero)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% Vol.
