Franciacorta Essence Noir 2016 (Antica Fratta)

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Located in the Fratta district of Monticelli Brusati in the heart of the Franciacorta area, the Antica Fratta winery has ancient winemaking traditions that date back to the mid-nineteenth century. Founded by the Knight of the Grand Cross Luigi Rossetti, after having passed from hand to hand for over a century, since 1979, the company has been part of the Guido Berlucchi brand. The estate vineyards extend over approximately 35 hectares where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are grown. The company also has a suggestive underground cellar dug into the rock. Essence Noir is a wine produced with only Pinot Noir grapes from the company's vineyards planted on calcareous-clayey soils of morainic origin. The grapes are selected and harvested by hand. The first fermentation takes place at low temperature and the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the Traditional Method. The wine ages at least 36 months on the lees, and another 5 or 6 months in the bottle, after the disgorgement. Franciacorta Essence Noir Antica Fratta is a vintage sparkling wine of good complexity and elegance. It reveals an intense color with yellow tones, coppery reflections, and fine bubbles. On the nose, it shows aromas of dried fruit and toasted notes. On the palate, it is balanced, creamy, and well-structured. The finish is long and pleasant and recalls toasted notes and bread crust. It is the ideal wine for fish and shellfish and also goes very well with salmon.