Franciacorta Saten 61 Berlucchi

Berlucchi 61' in its Saten version is the exaltation of the most persuasive character of Chardonnay. The name celebrates the year the first Franciacorta was born, 1961. That was in fact the first real year of production of the Metodo Classico, which was intended to be 'a sparkling wine in the manner of the French', as wine expert Franco Ziliani had said to Guido Berlucchi six years earlier. From that provocation, launched with the utmost curiosity and enterprise, began the adventure of Brescian sparkling wine production, which would gradually become successful under the name of Franciacorta. A name that immediately evokes class and charm, creaminess and finesse. It is no coincidence that this sparkling wine was easily linked to the fashion industry, the most chic events and the most refined dinners, thanks to its undisputed and impeccable elegance.

This label of 'Berlucchi 61' is a Franciacorta Saten, i.e. a Metodo Classico sparkling wine that must be produced with only Chardonnay grapes and that, after refermentation, has a lower carbon dioxide content. It all starts with normal vinification, which takes place in stainless steel tanks and results in a pure Chardonnay white wine. It is bottled and sugar and yeast are added. The bottle is corked so that the second fermentation can start. Once the yeasts transform all the sugar present into alcohol and carbon dioxide, the fermentation stops and the resting period of at least 24 months on the lees begins. This is the time during which the wine is enriched with the typical fragrant aromas and complexity that characterise the type. The months of maturation on the lees are followed by a further 2 months of bottle ageing after disgorgement.

Franciacorta Saten 'Berlucchi 61' is the purity of Chardonnay, told in its most delicate and fine version. The perlage is soft, creamy and persistent, as befits the type. The nose presents a rich and elegant bouquet, flowing with notes of ripe yellow and tropical fruit, at times almost candied. Fragrant notes of bakery and shortcrust pastry speak of a contact with yeast that has been able to interact with the wine. On the palate, the creaminess is enveloping and in balance with the freshness and savouriness. The finish is precise and persistent. If the expressiveness of the Chardonnay meets the soils of Franciacorta and is declined in a Saten version, the result can only speak an elegant language.