Our selection

Berlucchi is an iconic house and pioneer in Italy: it was the first winery to release a metodo classico Franciacorta in the 60’s. It has, since then, become the most powerful premium sparkling wine brand in Italy. The Ziliani family also owns the Bolgheri estate of Caccia Al Piano. Certified Organic in 2016, Berlucchi’s own vineyards cover over 100 hectares. The three children of the late Franco Ziliani, lovingly referred to as “the father of Franciacorta,” now lead the estate.
The name Franciacorta comes from the terms Francae Curtes, name given during the feudal period to the communities of French Benedictine monks who settled in the region to cultivate the vine. These communities were exempted from the princely taxes in exchange for their services. Francae Curtes (franc de taxe in French) therefore means free of taxes. It then evolved through time to the Italian version Franciacorta.

Organic. Pinot nero (100%), grown in the Ragnoli, Quindicipiò, and Gaspa estate vineyards, all planted to a high density of 10,000 vines/hectare. The Pinot Noir, fermented as a rosé, receives a cold pre-maceration for about 24 hours and then a gentle pressing. The musts ferment in stainless steel, then mature 6 months sur lie. A small amount of Pinot Noir is vinified as a red wine, macerating some 7 days after fermentation. The cuvée is assembled, in the spring following the harvest, with base wines 100% of the same growing year. The wine re-ferments and matures sur lie in the bottle for a minimum of 5 years, followed by a further 6 months after disgorging. Zero Dosage.

Enticing scents of bright red berry, rose, cedar and delicate, yeasty whiffs recalling fresh bread dough float out of the glass. Bone-dry and supremely elegant, the savory, understated palate suddenly blooms on the midpalate, delivering juicy pomegranate, blood orange, star anise and crushed mint alongside racy acidity and an extremely refined perlage.
95 Wine Enthusiast

◊  Producer's page  ◊  Producer's website  ◊
◊  Tech sheet ◊