In 2009, Pierluigi Lugano, founder of the Ligurian winery Bisson, shattered a major oenological dogma by taking a step no one had dared to attempt before: he entrusted his pioneering creation, "Abissi," to the sea, rather than storing it in traditional underground cellars. This radical subversion of the conventions of the Classic Method (traditional sparkling wine method) would secure both this label and its creator a place in history.
"Abissi" 2020 is an exceptional Classic Method sparkling wine, crafted from a blend of local grape varieties: Bianchetta Genovese, Vermentino, and the rare Cimixà. The grapes are cultivated in the vineyards of Trigoso, a district of Sestri Levante, on steep terraces exposed to the influence of the sea and its winds, creating an ideal microclimate for the grapes to reach their full potential.
The harvest takes place early to ensure the grapes retain their natural acidity. In the winery, the crushed grapes undergo a 48-hour cold maceration (criomaceration) before fermentation at a controlled temperature. Once bottled, the wine begins its unique aging process: the bottles are placed in specialized stainless-steel cages and submerged in the waters of the famous "Baia del Silenzio" (Bay of Silence) at a depth of approximately 60 meters. In total darkness and at a constant temperature of 15°C, the wine rests for 18 months, cradled by the rhythmic motion of the waves. This movement, combined with a level of underwater pressure impossible to replicate in a cellar, fosters the development of remarkable complexity and longevity. Disgorgement is carried out strictly by hand during 2026, with no dosage added, a deliberate choice to highlight and preserve the wine's pure, unadulterated essence.
The 2020 Bisson "Abissi" Metodo Classico sparkling wine displays an intense straw-yellow hue, enlivened by a captivating, fine, and persistent perlage. On the nose, it releases a rich aromatic spectrum marked by musky and briny notes, which serve as a prelude to a dynamic, dry palate defined by profound minerality. It concludes with a pleasantly lingering finish.
This is the perfect sparkling wine to elevate any aperitif into a moment of absolute class. Furthermore, its remarkable freshness makes it an excellent pairing for seafood cuisine.
Choosing Bisson’s 2020 "Abissi" means treating yourself to an intense and unparalleled oenological experience. It is a zero-dosage sparkling wine shaped by nature itself; the sea leaves indelible marks on each bottle—through encrustations and seashells—transforming every single one into a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.
