What kind of wine is Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives
The Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives is a high-quality sparkling wine produced in the heart of Franciacorta, in the province of Brescia. It is made using the Traditional Method – the same method used for Champagne – where the second fermentation occurs directly in the bottle, giving the wine unique finesse and complexity. This Brut Millesimato perfectly represents the elegant and distinctive style of the Derbusco Cives winery: a wine that tells the story of its terroir and vintage, with a balanced personality between freshness, structure, and softness.Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage in Franciacorta was characterized by regular weather patterns, with a dry summer and moderate temperatures. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, cultivated on stony and mineral-rich soils, produced ripe and healthy grapes, ensuring excellent grape quality and a particularly fine and balanced aromatic profile.Winemaking and aging
The Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives is produced through a gentle pressing of the grapes to obtain only the free-run must, the most valuable part. After the first fermentation in steel tanks, the wine rests on its lees in the bottle for at least 44 months. This long aging gives the sparkling wine remarkable gustatory complexity and a pleasant creaminess on the palate. The subsequent disgorgement (the phase in which the exhausted yeasts are removed) occurs shortly before commercial release, to ensure freshness and aromatic integrity.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a bright straw yellow with golden reflections, enhanced by a fine and persistent perlage that anticipates the elegance of the sip.Nose
The bouquet is refined and articulate: notes of ripe yellow fruit and citrus blend with hints of bread crust, hazelnut, and subtle floral nuances. The long stay on the lees provides complexity and harmony, with a pleasant mineral sensation that defines its depth.Taste
On the palate, it is fresh, balanced, and creamy, with a lively acidity typical of the Franciacorta style. The sip reveals a perfect balance between structure and tension, finishing with a savory and citrusy persistence that invites another taste.What dishes to pair with Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives
This Franciacorta Millesimato is particularly versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with fish and shellfish dishes, as well as delicate white preparations and refined appetizers. Some pairing ideas:- Salmon or tuna tartare with citrus
- Seafood risotto
- Baked sea bass fillet
- Fresh and semi-aged cheeses
- Finger food and elegant aperitifs
Storage and aging: how to store Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives wine
To preserve the aromatic qualities and freshness of this Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dry place away from light, preferably horizontally to keep the cork consistently moist. It should be enjoyed within 2-3 years of purchase to best appreciate its vivacity and complexity. Drunk young, it expresses all its freshness, the fineness of the perlage, and the brilliance of its fruity aromas.Derbusco Cives
The History of Derbusco Cives Winery The Derbusco Cives winery boasts a history that intertwines tradition, heritage, and innovation, much like a story that flows through generations. Born from a passion for the territory and wine, this winery is an example of how past and present can coexist har...
How to best open and serve Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives, it's important to position the bottle vertically for at least a few hours. This allows any sediment to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the wine during pouring. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, gently return it to an upright position to allow the residue to stabilize.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The correct serving temperature is crucial to fully appreciate the characteristics of this vintage Franciacorta. Chill the bottle to a temperature between 8°C and 10°C. Excessive chilling can compromise the perception of aromas, while too high a temperature amplifies the alcohol and dampens the typical freshness of Lombardy's bubbles.
3. Opening the bottle
To correctly open Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives, follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the foil, revealing the wire cage.
- Loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden opening.
- Hold the bottle at about a 45° angle and gently rotate it from the base, keeping the cork still.
- Allow the carbon dioxide to release slowly, so as not to lose the fineness of the perlage.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the color in the glass: it should display a brilliant golden yellow with elegant reflections. On the nose, you should perceive notes of bread crust, dried fruit, and ripe citrus. Taste a small sip to check the wine's integrity and the vivacity of the bubbles before proceeding with decanting or serving.
5. Decanting and aeration
Although it is a sparkling wine, a vintage Franciacorta of this age can benefit from slight aeration. Gently pour the wine into a sparkling wine carafe or let it breathe in the glass for a few minutes. This process enhances the aromatic complexity and structure of the wine, highlighting the evolution given by years of aging.
6. Serving
Use wide flutes or white wine glasses to enhance aromas and perlage. Pour slowly, tilting the glass to reduce bubble loss. Always serve in small intervals to maintain the ideal temperature during tasting. The perfect pairing includes refined dishes such as crustaceans, steamed fish, or soft blue cheeses.
7. Storage after opening
If not fully consumed, store the bottle with an airtight stopper for sparkling wines, in the refrigerator, at about 6°C. The Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Le Millesimé' 2016 - Derbusco Cives will maintain freshness and vivacity for 24 hours. Subsequently, the perlage will tend to diminish, but the evolved aromas will remain enjoyable for a meditative tasting.