AGO.SET 2014
XV
AT PAGE 42
Franciacorta,
the name is the
message
Do not call them bubbles!
Territory, identify and wine
production methods became
a unique brand. In Italy and
abroad
By Piero Cinti
It’s easy to say terroir: the Roman
times to the present day, in addition
to a few other wine Franciacorta know
encapsulate the history, traditions,
customs, agricultural mentality of the
inhabitants of this district, which over
the centuries have shaped the land
with a specific attitude to quality.
And now they find themselves in the
hands a unique wine with a strong
personality, smart as a knight of rank,
able to be appreciated on tables all
over the world, with a very wide range
of productive proposals very different,
to suit all tastes and all budgets.
Not surprisingly, the Franciacorta was
the first Italian wine fermented in the
bottle, the product according to the
classic method, bland definition that
does not make it all the love and hard
work behind every bottle made, to
receive the DOCG designation in 1995.
Today Franciacorta is a unique brand
that identifies territory, and wine
production method, with manual
harvest of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and
Pinot Blanc, the latter admitted up to
a maximum of 50%, crushing delicate,
second fermentation in the bottle
with the addition yeast for secondary
fermentation, aging, vibrator and
disgorgement. Transactions carried
out complying with strict criteria that
constrains the producers who want to
boast the Franciacorta DOCG.
From the non-vintage Franciacorta that
refine at least 18 months on the lees
until the most prestigious Franciacorta
Riserva “mature” at least 60 months
in bottles placed horizontally in
underground cellars similar to the
shrines of enology, today Franciacorta
wine has crossed international
borders, it is on mouth of fans all over
the world. Conquered by the balance,
complexity, elegance of the bubbles,
which make it a powerful ambassador
of wine, like other best seller. So, last
year, in 2013, of the 14 million bottles
sold, about 1.3 million have been
earmarked abroad (+14.3% on 2012)
with a ratio of 9% of all bottles sold.
White Court
Extra Brut
Features
95% Chardonnay, Pinot Noir 5% Ageing:
36 months on the lees brilliant pale
gold color, continuous perlage fine
and persistent bubble, compact and
creamy froth. Scent of immature fruit
gently (pineapple, mango and apricot),
white peach, ripe, red fruits. Elegant,
balanced and with a fresh acidity that
blends perfectly with the structure of
the wine, savory and full width and
length. Complex aftertaste with hints of
fresh fruit (citrus and white peach), with
a delicate presence of fresh almond and
hazelnut, with a slightly honeyed citrus
and vanilla from.
Pairings
Seafood, shellfish, fish from the lake
and river, both white and in foil,
poultry fat (capon) or more associations
with risky, caviar and game birds
(woodcock, snipe and quail).
Bellavista
Alma Cuvée Brut
Features
The grapes used are: 80% Chardonnay,
19% Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc 1%. It
comes from the union of about 60 of
the 120 selections of harvest obtained
in the cellar. The mousse is white, lively
and excellent persistence. The perlage
is fine and continuous, with abundant
crown. It’s a bright color, yellow with
greenish reflections. The perfume
is ample and inviting and embraces
shades of sweet and slightly ripe fruit
(pears Decana) with hints of vanilla
and chlorophyll. In the mouth it is
fruity and full aftertaste. Thickness and
harmony come together in the excellent
elegance.
CastelFaglia
Monogram Zero
Features
Monogram Zero is a selection of the
best cuvées of Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir in part, to achieve maximum
elegance and aromatic complexity. At
disgorgement does not receive added
sugar. The color is golden crystal,
creamy mousse and fine and persistent
perlage. The scent expresses refined
character with rich and complex aromas
of fruit, citrus and delicate spices. The
taste is dry with structure and finesse,
with strong flavor and freshness.
Pairings
Due to its characteristics it is ideal
for dining with raw fish, sushi and
oysters. Create an atmosphere in the
most important and less conventional
pairings.
Berlucchi
Cuvée Brut Imperial
Features
Chardonnay (90%) and Pinot Noir
(10%) coming from the different
municipalities of the Franciacorta foam
soft and rich, with a fine and persistent
perlage, straw yellow color with light
green hues. The scent bouquet is rich
and persistent with fruity and floral
notes, subtle aromas of yeast and crusty
bread. Palate: rich, clean, pleasant and
strong fruity and sour.
Pairings
Ideal aperitif, suitable for all kinds of
appetizers and fish dishes, rice, pasta,
white meat, fish and savory cheeses.
Ca ‘Del Bosco
Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige
Features
It’s 75% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Blanc,
Pinot Noir 15%. Only after middle
aged on the lees for 25 months this
Franciacorta expresses his identity.
Disgorgement occurs in the absence
of oxygen, using a unique system,
