Italiano
Top 10 Franciacorta
10 Franciacorta from 10 different wineries that stood out for their very high quality, exalting the name of this area that has clearly distinguished itself for producing some of Italy’s best sparkling wine.
The name Franciacorta, at least in Italy, identifies the most prestigious area and producers of “vibrant” wines (in this case the terms “sparkling” or “bubbly” do not apply to this appellation). For sure, behind this particular area of Lombardy, which extends around Lake Iseo where the soil if predominately morainic, is the work of enlightened winemakers and entrepreneurs who over recent decades have made their estates the absolutely undisputed reference points for this wine.
Here we present some of the best Franciacorta, selected during the tastings for our Essential Guide to Italian Wine 2021. The tastings and review were for the most part carried out by Chiara Giovoni.
Franciacorta Annamaria Clementi Riserva 2010 Ca' del Bosco
98/100 - € 110,00
Blend of 55% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Bianco and 20% Pinot Nero grapes, from 30 years old vines. Vinified in barriques. Classic method, 7 years on the lees. Golden and bright color with fine perlage. Distinctive nose: floral scents of wisteria and robinia blossoms, sea breeze and refreshing citrusy scents in wonderful balance with the fruity character. The palate is elegant and tasteful with a complex aftertaste leading to a very briny finish.
Franciacorta ’61 Nature Blanc de Blancs 2013 Guido Berlucchi
96/100 - € 40,00
100% Chardonnay grapes. Aged partially in barriques for 6 months. Classic method, 60 months on the lees, zero dosage. Golden straw yellow with very thin perlage. Floral notes of robinia blossoms, lemon blossoms, peach, and gardenia. The palate shows a beautiful freshness and a refined note of ginger and lime to enhance the depth that leads to a classy and tonic finish.
Franciacorta Satèn 2016 Barone Pizzini
96/100 - € 28,00
100% Chardonnay grapes from Roccolo, Clogna, Carabioli and Ronchi vineyards. Classic method, 40 months on the lees. Bright straw yellow with intense and fine perlage. Very floral notes of wisteria, rose tea, green apple, orange blossoms, on a fragrant and refined background of honey croissant. Clean and well-defined palate showing a very fascinating balance between floral flavor and white currant aftertaste, and with a spicy freshness that leads to a very pleasant finish.
Franciacorta Selezione Riserva 2011 Villa
96/100 - € 32,00
Blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Nero grapes. Aged in barriques for 6 months. Classic method, 78 months on the lees. Intense straw yellow color with golden hues and fine perlage. Very interesting nose profile of hazelnut biscuit, caramel, yellow peach, and mandarin juice followed by a scent of fresh ginger. The palate is fruity, very pleasant, and well-defined offering a good freshness and a vibrant depth.
Franciacorta Cabochon Fuoriserie N.021 2014 Monte Rossa
95/100 - € 55,00
Blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Nero grapes, vinified in oak, 80% from 2014 and 20% from reserve wines. Classic method, 42 months on the lees. Bright straw yellow color with fine perlage. Nose of honey croissant, lemon blossoms, eucalyptus, and summer citrus. Very pleasant and smooth palate showing satisfying and refreshing flavors of eucalyptus and anise leading to a charming and creamy finish.
Franciacorta Extra Brut 2014 Ferghettina
95/100 - € 35,00
Blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Nero grapes from the oldest vineyards. Classic method, 70 months on the lees, 2gr/l dosage. Straw yellow color with golden hues and very fine perlage. Nose of almond shortcrust, crunchy yellow peach, and verbena. Harmonious and pleasant palate showing a fruity and refreshing depth and leading to a composed and well-defined finish.
Franciacorta Rosé Parosé 2015 Mosnel
95/100 - € 45,00
Blend of 70% Pinot Nero (aged in oak) and 30% Chardonnay grapes. Classic method, at least 36 months on the lees. Pale dusty pink color with copper hues and very fine perlage. Floral notes of iris and hawthorn, then delicate mandarin, candied ginger, and rhubarb. The palate is initially tight then opens to a savory freshness well balanced by the weight and leading to a clean and precise aftertaste of aromatic herbs. Fresh almond and crunchy currant.
Franciacorta Satèn Magnificentia 2016 Uberti
95/100 - € 42,00
100% Chardonnay grapes, partially vinified in 32hl natural oak barrels, in barriques and stainless steel. Classic method, 40 months on the lees. Intense and bright straw yellow color with fine perlage. Very intriguing and intense floral scents followed by smoky hint and pencil shaving followed by tropical fruit aroma of mango and passion fruit. Very tense and sharp palate offering herbaceous and fruity flavor; flavorsome, briny and with a great personality.
Franciacorta Satèn 2016 Cavalleri
95/100 - € 35,00
100% Chardonnay grapes. Vinified in barriques. Classic method, at least 3 years on the lees. Bright straw yellow color with very fine perlage. Initially shy nose then opens to refined notes of yellow citrus, lemon blossom, melissa and thyme. Agile and supple palate offering flavors of blossoms, fresh hazelnut, and lemon curd. Harmonious finish and with a great dynamic balance.
Franciacorta Vittorio Moretti Riserva 2013 Bellavista
95/100 - € 85,00
Blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Nero grapes, partially vinified in oak barrels. Classic method. Golden yellow color with intense perlage. Very charming notes of hazelnut biscuit, vanilla, and aromatic herbs followed by floral scent and a iodine hint. Fresh palate offering flavor of candied citron and clementine. Full and austere.
