Franciacorta Rosé is the feminine version of one of the most famous and prestigious Italian sparkling wines. This bubbly is produced following the principles of the Classic Method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and disgorgement in order to separate the lees from the final product. This story began just under 50 years ago in a small strip of land between Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia, although it has quickly become one of the most renowned Italian sparkling wine production centres in the world. When this wine becomes rosé, it conquers all the senses: it has a bright pink colour and is as shiny as silk, its aroma is a fascinating mixture of red fruits, undergrowth and floral hints, and its taste combines elegance and freshness, smoothness and flavour, fruity tones and expressive vivacity.
Franciacorta Rosé is the feminine version of one of the most famous and prestigious Italian sparkling wines. This bubbly is produced following the principles of the Classic Method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle and disgorgement in order to separate the lees from the final product. This story began just under 50 years ago in a small strip of land between Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia, although it has quickly become one of the most renowned Italian sparkling wine production centres in the world. When this wine becomes rosé, it conquers all the senses: it has a bright pink colour and is as shiny as silk, its aroma is a fascinating mixture of red fruits, undergrowth and floral hints, and its taste combines elegance and freshness, smoothness and flavour, fruity tones and expressive vivacity.
In 1967, a decree issued by the President of the Italian Republic officially identified the Franciacorta production area in the province of Brescia as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) zone. In 1995, it also obtained the coveted recognition of guarantee, formally beginning to display the Franciacorta DOCG logo on the wine label.
Rosé wine is included in the production regulations as a distinct and separate type, obtained exclusively from the vinification of Pinot Noir grapes for at least 35%, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc up to a maximum of 50% and Erbamat, an ancient white grape variety indigenous to the area, up to a maximum of 10%. Although the grapes of the other varieties must be transformed from grape to must exclusively by direct pressing and without destemming, this requirement does not apply to Pinot Noir, and the grapes are fermented in direct contact with the skins. This process is required to achieve the desired colour.
Depending on their unique production philosophy, the various wineries may interpret these sparkling wines either as a blend of grapes or as a pure expression of Pinot Noir, the only black grape variety grown in the area. On the market, therefore, there are versions that differ in colour, structure and bouquet, depending on the percentage of Pinot Noir grapes present in the final cuvée.
Franciacorta Rosè Contadi Castaldi offers a version that attempts to blend Chardonnay with Pinot Noir, while the Ferghettina winery, Ca' del Bosco with its "Annamaria Clementi" and Barone Pizzini offer a version that relies exclusively on the elegance of the black grape variety. The first fermentation, which produces the base wines and which can take place either in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks or in oak barrels, is followed by a second fermentation in the bottle, following the principles of the Classic Method. The subsequent ageing on the lees can range from a minimum of 24 months for the basic version to a minimum of 30 months for the Millesimato, and up to a minimum of 60 months for the Riserva. The longer the period of ageing on the lees, the greater the final product's personality, refinement and complexity. Once this stage of maturation is complete, disgorgement takes place. This process eliminates the residual yeast trapped in the neck of the refrigerated bottle and ensures that the final product is perfectly transparent, free of sediments and fully ready to light up the glass with its luminosity.
The final step in the production process is now almost complete. All that is missing is the final addition of the liqueur d'expedition, a secret recipe that is carefully guarded within the walls of the historic cellars. Depending on the amount of sugar present in this liquid, six different versions will be produced: Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Dry and Demi-Sec. The bottle is finally closed with a cork mushroom and metal cage, and is ready to be sold, but more importantly, to be enjoyed!
The Classic Method Franciacorta is undoubtedly among the most renowned of Lombardy’s wines. Their fame has expanded well beyond the borders of the Italian peninsula, gaining international acclaim and appreciation. Franciacorta Rosé is distinguished by its exceptional pairing versatility on the table, thanks to its fine, long and persistent foam that perfectly embraces every sip and thanks to its fresh, dry flavour with beautiful intensity and structure on the palate.
You don't have to choose a particular occasion to uncork a bottle and discover the best Franciacorta Rosè pairings. This variety can be served with a very wide range of dishes, with the exception of desserts at the end of the meal, unless it is a Demi-Sec version! As an aperitif, it will soften the flavour of cold meats and cheeses, both fresh and with a flowered crust, as well as reducing greasiness. If served throughout a meal, it is best paired with fish carpaccio, such as ventresca and ricciola, with raw or freshly seared shellfish, from the classic Mazara red prawns to scampi, but also with traditional Piedmontese hors d'oeuvres such as vitello tonnato and pasta dishes cooked with delicate sauces such as white meat ragù.
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