Berlucchi Franciacorta 61 Nature 2017
Layered and elegant, with crisp apricot, yellow peach and candied citrus leading to freshly-baked brioche. A vibrant streak of acidity underpins a well-sculpted structure, and a energy-laden, richly-flavoured finish provides a tangy, sensory tautness.
The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines are grown in the estate vineyards of Arzelle, Rovere, San Carlo, and Ragnoli; in the heart of the Franciacorte DOCG, at a high density of 10,000 vines/ha. The Morainic soils were formed during the last Ice Age; gravely, stony soils are well drained and rich in minerals. The vineyards are greatly influenced by the cold winds from the Alps, however the continental climate is mitigated by the effects of Lake d’Iseo. The Berlucchi vines are Guyot and spurred cordon trained. For over 20 years Berlucchi has been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability projects, such as vigour mapping – the use of satellite images and multispectral cameras that capture plants’ photosynthetic activity and consequently their state of health in real time, which allows for bespoke cultivation; soil zoning and increasing biodiversity in viticulture. In 2016, the three-year conversion to organic viticulture was completed; low-impact products have been used since 2000. Cover crops, integrated pest management, natural fertilisers and hand-harvesting.
The whole clusters were gently and slowly pressed. Fermentation took place in steel tanks, then the finest lots were matured ‘sur lie’ in oak barrels for six months. The cuvée was blended in the spring exclusively with 100% vintage wines. Secondary fermentation took place in the bottle, which was subsequently aged on the lees for a minimum of five years, followed by another six months after disgorgement. Zero dosage.
| RRP | £45.95 |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Alcoholic strength | 12.5% |
| Awards | Gold, Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships, 2022 |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Lombardy |
| Subregion | Franciacorta |
| Grapes | Chardonnay 70%, Pinot Noir 30% |
| Dry/Sweet value | 1 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Mushroom cork |
The Berlucchi family winery was founded in 1955 by Guido Berlucchi, Franco Ziliani and Giorgio Lanciani. Together, they transformed Franciacorta into one of Italy’s most prestigious regions for the production of sparkling wine. Franciacorta’s renaissance began with Guido Berlucchi’s creation of the very first Classic Method wine in 1961. With a pioneering spirit, Berlucchi introduced and promoted expertise that had not existed in Franciacorta until that point, inspiring many other passionate, forward-thinking producers to follow suit. Together, they transformed this region into the crown jewel of Italian winemaking. From their estate in Borgonato, Berlucchi follows a philosophy of high-quality viticulture that is environmentally sustainable. In 1962 they introduced ‘Max Rosé’, Italy’s very first Classic Method Rosé. After nearly 60 successful years at the helm of the company, Franco Ziliani passed his expertise onto the next generation, his children Cristina, Arturo and Paolo. In 2022, Berlucchi was awarded the prestigious ‘Winery of the Year’ by Gambero Rosso.
