Franciacorta Essence Nature 2016 (Antica Fratta)

Cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. In the mid-1800s merchant Luigi Rossetti was so enchanted żeby the stunning scenery around Monticelli Brusati close to the Lago d’Iseo that he decided to convert an existing farmhouse into a brand-new winery. Rossetti is also responsible for one of Antica Fratta’s most iconic features, the 1.7km of cellars dug out of rock in the form of a Greek-style cross. The estate’s modern history began in 1979 when it was purchased by the Ziliani family who are one of the most famous names in Franciacorta. These days the estate focuses on making exceptional artisanal Franciacorta sparkling wines using traditional winemaking philosophies. This crisp and elegant zero dosage Franciacorta is primarily made from Chardonnay which gives freshness and finesse, along with Pinot Noir which brings structure and body. It is made according to the traditional method, the same method used for Champagne, with a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Antica Fratta’s historic cellars provide ideal conditions to age their sparkling wines thanks to the constant cool temperature and humidity levels. In total this bottling spends 36 months ageing on the lees here and is disgorged without any added sugar. The result is a dry and refined sparkling wine with hints of ripe peaches, dried fruit, honeysuckle, and freshly-baked bread. A great wine to serve as an aperitif alongside fresh seafood, sushi, or even ceviche.