Corte Bianca "Essente" Franciacorta DOCG Dosagio Zero, NV

The Wine

This unique cuvee consists of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Nero, 20% Pinot Bianco, and 5% Erbamat - a rarity in a land where most producers limit their options to the main three varieties used in Champagne. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel and aged on the lees in tank for 6 months before tirage. Once in bottle, the wine ages for 29 months Sur lies.

“Essente” means “here and now”, and the name is a reflection of the wine's immediate accessibility. It provides aromas of freshly ripe fruit, small berries, yellow and white flowers (lime tree, honeysuckle, acacia), with a hint of vanilla biscuit and bitter orange. Delish!

The Winery

I know some who look down on Franciacorta as an Italian wine created by rich people for rich tourists to enjoy while lounging in the lakes region. But the truth is, as pricey as it may be, it's still a bargain relative to Champagne. And I can't tell you how often these wines get identified as Champagne in blind tastings!

This version is from a producer who has embraced the current trend towards completely dry (No Dosage) versions. They craft sparkling wines that are fresh, vertical and precise. To achieve this balanced freshness, the grapes are grown in one of the Appellation’s coolest vineyards and then picked at full ripeness - a slow, cool-weather ripening that allows for full phenolic ripeness without excessive sugars.

Their farming is certified organic and biodynamic. The first fermentations take place in stainless steel and are followed by 6 months of aging on the lees in stainless steel, without malolactic (which softens the wine's crispness). After tirage, the wines age in bottles on the lees for at least 24 months. As a result, CorteBianca’s Franciacortas show a remarkable balance between a core of ripe stone and citrus fruit aromas and a refreshing, zesty acidity.