Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva 'Quintessence' Antica Fratta 2015

Antica Fratta's Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva "Quintessence" is a top-of-the-range Millesimato that is the result of long ageing on the lees, capable of enhancing the characteristics of particularly favourable vintages that are predisposed to ageing. It is a cuvée with a majority of Chardonnay and a balance of Pinot Noir, well representing the vocation of the Franciacorta terroir. The particularly suitable soils of the Monticelli Brusati area, and the cool, breezy climate, allow excellent maturation of the grapes, resulting in a harmonious and complex Metodo Classico that is best served at the table with an important menu.

Antica Fratta's Extra Brut Riserva "Quintessence" is a Franciacorta with a strong personality and an evolved profile, which is made from a careful selection of the estate's best grapes. Harvesting usually takes place in the first few days of September, in order to have ripe and aromatically rich grapes. The best bunches, selected directly in the vineyard, are pressed very softly to extract only the precious flower must. After the classic white vinification, the base wines rest for a few months before the creation of the final cuvée. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the Metodo Classico with a long stay on the lees for at least 100 months before dégorgement and subsequent marketing.

The "Quintessence" Riserva from the Antica Fratta winery is a Millesimato that expresses the best qualities of the Franciacorta terroir in the sign of balance and richness. The Chardonnay gives the blend its proverbial finesse, well supported by the structure and power of the Pinot Noir. This is a label destined for Metodo Classico enthusiasts who appreciate the tertiary development of the wine's aromas due to the long soak on the lattes. The wine's maturity is already visible in its beautiful golden yellow colour, crossed by a fine, continuous perlage. Notes of citrus peel, ripe yellow fruit, toasted almond, dried fruit, hints of pastry and soft spices create a fascinating aromatic framework. Broad and deep, the sip stretches towards a fresh and very persistent finish. The ultimate expression of Franciacorta, indeed the fifth essence!