What kind of wine is Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi
The Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi is a refined classic method sparkling wine, an authentic expression of the winemaking excellence of Franciacorta, a hilly region in the province of Brescia renowned for producing top-quality bubbles. Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this Brut stands out for its essential, modern, and deep style, with a decisive yet elegant character, capable of flawlessly combining energy and harmony.Vintage details
The 2017 vintage in Franciacorta was characterized by a balanced climate, with a warm but not excessive summer and good diurnal temperature variations. These conditions favored a complete ripening of the grapes, resulting in a concentrated, vibrant, and highly aromatically refined Pinot Noir. The harvest was carried out manually, respecting the perfect ripeness times to ensure freshness and structure.Winemaking and aging
The Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi is produced through meticulous winemaking according to the classic method, the same one used for Champagne, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. After gentle pressing, the base wine ages for about 6 months, partly in steel and partly in oak barriques, to gain complexity without losing freshness. This is followed by 60 months of maturation on the lees, a phase that imparts structure and sensory depth. After disgorgement, the wine rests for another 6 months in the bottle, thus reaching its full harmony before release.Tasting notes
Colour
Visually, it presents a bright golden yellow color with coppery reflections, a sign of its origin from Pinot Noir grapes alone. The perlage is fine and persistent, indicating a long stay on the lees.Nose
On the nose, it offers a complex and refined bouquet, dominated by notes of ripe fruit and bread crust, with elegant nuances of dried red fruits, hazelnut, and sweet spices. The long stay on the lees amplifies the aromatic intensity, without weighing down the wine's profile.Taste
On the palate, the Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi is full and consistent with the nose: fresh, structured, and supported by a pleasant acidity that balances its softness. The long, mineral finish leaves a sensation of energy and purity in the mouth, inviting the next sip.What dishes to pair with Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi
Versatile and with an extraordinary personality, this Franciacorta pairs perfectly with refined dishes as well as simpler preparations, enhancing their flavors with its lively freshness and significant structure. Ideal with:- fish appetizers and raw seafood;
- white meat and poultry dishes;
- medium-aged cheeses;
- risottos with mushrooms or truffles for those who desire a more complex pairing.
Storage and aging: how to store Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi wine
To maintain its refinement, the Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi should be stored in a cool place, away from direct light and vibrations, with a constant temperature between 10 and 14°C. This sparkling wine is meant to be enjoyed in its youth, to fully appreciate its freshness and vivacity. However, it can be stored for 2-3 years after disgorgement, during which time it gently evolves towards more complex and mature notes without losing its distinctive elegance.Contadi Castaldi
The history of the Contadi Castaldi winery Contadi Castaldi is a name that resonates among the Franciacorta hills, representing a perfect union between tradition and innovation. The history of this winery is rooted in a long winemaking legacy, which has evolved over time by embracing new technolo...
How to best open and serve Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi, position the bottle upright for at least a few hours. This allows any sediment, if present, to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing when pouring. Avoid shaking the bottle and handle it gently.
2. Ideal serving temperature
To fully appreciate its aromas and complexity, the ideal serving temperature is between 8 and 10°C. You can achieve this by leaving the bottle in the refrigerator for about 3 hours or, if you're in a hurry, by immersing it in an ice and water bucket for 30 minutes. Avoid serving Franciacorta too cold, as this could dull its aromatic notes.
3. Opening the bottle
Carefully remove the capsule and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden opening. Tilt the bottle slightly to 45° and slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork) until you hear a soft sigh, indicating a correct and safe opening. This way, you will preserve the finesse of the bubbles and limit pressure loss.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, observe the color: the Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi displays golden reflections and fine perlage. Smell the wine in the glass to check the quality of the bouquet: you should perceive notes of yeast, dried fruit, and delicate mineral nuances. A small initial sip allows you to assess the freshness and persistence, key elements of an excellent Franciacorta.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Even though it is a traditional method, a 2017 vintage Franciacorta can benefit from brief oxygenation. You can pour the wine into a wide-mouthed crystal decanter and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, or simulate decanting by gently swirling the liquid in the glass. This step allows the more complex aromas to open up and reveal all the finesse of the Pinot Noir.
6. Serving
Use flute or tulip glasses, which enhance the bubbles and promote the concentration of aromas. Pour slowly, tilting the glass, to preserve the mousse. The Franciacorta Brut DOCG 'Pinònero Natura' 2017 - Contadi Castaldi pairs perfectly with fish dishes, shellfish, and soft cheeses, but can also accompany delicate pasta dishes or be enjoyed on its own as an elegant aperitif.
7. Storage after opening
If not finished, the wine can be stored in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours using a specific airtight stopper for sparkling wines. This way, it will maintain its freshness and part of its original effervescence. Avoid leaving it for too long at room temperature or exposed to direct light, to preserve its quality and aromatic structure.