Franciacorta is Italian Champagne! That is to say, it is made from the same blend, predominantly Pinot Nero (noir) and Chardonnay (with a little Pinot Bianco), in the same method, the 'Metodo Classico', of a second fermentation in the bottle. However the producers of Franciacorta don't wish to be confused with their French counterparts. They believe 100% in their own identity as one of the World's finest sparkling wine producing areas. Their obsession with quality of fruit, organic production, long maturation periods and a minimum of sulphur use make Franciacorta a worthy match for any Champagne. It is a wonderfully approachable yet complex glass of bubbly!
This is a delicious easy drinking lightly sparkling style of Prosecco with a mischievous sapidity as an Italian would say. The nose suggests blanched almonds, white flowers and pear skin; the palate is soft and clean with apple and quince fruit flavours with a naturally off-dry finish.
This is an unusual wine and a style that is found often in Italy but is not always appreciated in the UK. Gutturnio is the most famous wine of the Colli Piacentini, its name historically derived from the traditional gutturnium jug that people drank the wine from. It is a generally a blend of 55-70% Barbera, grapes which grow in profusion on the banks of the river Po, Italy's largest river, with Croatina and/or Bonarda filling out the remaining portions of the blend. It can be produced in a variety of styles ranging from dry to slightly sweet, still to slightly sparkling. Under DOC regulations harvest yields are restricted to a maximum of 12 tons per hectare and alcohol levels of the wines must reach a minimum of 12%. The charm of Gutturnio is in its intense ripe fruit character which marks it out as quintessentially Emilian and the high acidity and frothiness of the 'frizzante' style make it an ideal foil for the fatty meat dishes of the Po valley.
Type: Semi Sparkling (Frizzante) full bodied red wine
The colour is a pale straw yellow with delicate bubbles. The bouquet is fine, rich and creamy with aromas of fresh cut flowers, hints of acacia and rose and scents of ripe apple, pear, and white peach. The palate is Full, soft and well-balanced with a gentle creamy mouse underlining the elegance of this very traditionally styled Prosecco. At 11.5% alcohol, it is the perfect Aperitif!
The 6 hectares of vines that produce this champagne style Prosecco are totally organic and the clarity and frankness of the wine make it exceedingly drinkable. Aromas are of apple and acacia with an interesting mineral twist and subtle yeastiness. This is very high quality sparkling wine and easily a match for many Champagne!
A better 'Metodo Classico' wine at this price you will not find! The expressive yeasty nose leads to a soft creamy palate with excellent weight and incredible approachability. The finish is fresh, clean and sppy with a toasty note that lingers on! This is lovely bubbly and a great alternative to Champagne!
For those who love the delicate sweetness and crisp red fruits of rose champagne, this Franciacorta is a must try. It has floral and raspberry aromas leading to the most feminine of palates. Delicious as aperitif or with light fruity deserts!
Perhaps La Montina's best wine, the Cuveé Saten is soft and delicate with gentle aromas of lemon rind, green apples and pears and a whiff of yeastiness. The delicacy of the palate is exceptional and makes it a very friendly and approachable sparkling wine in the Champagne style. Lovely as aperitif and I love it with light simple risottos with garden peas and Parmesan.
A better 'Metodo Classico' wine at this price you will not find! The expressive yeasty nose leads to a soft creamy palate with excellent weight and incredible approachability. The finish is fresh, clean and sppy with a toasty note that lingers on! This is lovely bubbly and a great alternative to Champagne!
This wine is a rare release from La Montina of 100% Chardonnay only in Magnum and only with a blend of the best vintages of base wine. It has a fine and delicate staw appearance with flecks of green and a delicate elegant floral nose. The palate if full yet refined with great finesse and complexity from the 24 months spent on the lees in the bottle.
A stunning example of exclusive Franciacorta from a very prestigious producer. This is what the Bozza family (who make the wine) drink on Xmas day! A real treat!
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