What kind of wine is Franciacorta Brut Millesimato DOCG 2018 - San Cristoforo

The Franciacorta Brut Millesimato DOCG 2018 - San Cristoforo is an elegant classic method sparkling wine, a symbol of Italian excellence in the production of wines with secondary fermentation in the bottle. It is made in the heart of Franciacorta, in Lombardy, one of Italy's most suitable areas for sparkling wine production thanks to its morainic soils and temperate climate, which favors slow maturation and fine aromas. This Brut Millesimato represents the selection of the best grapes from the 2018 vintage, transformed into a wine with a fresh, balanced style and dynamic sip, ideal for those who love quality bubbles with an excellent price/pleasure ratio.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage in the Franciacorta area was characterized by a mild winter and a regular spring, with well-distributed rainfall. The summer, not excessively hot, allowed for optimal grape ripening, yielding perfectly healthy grapes with an excellent balance between sugars and acidity. The harvest took place at the end of August, with manual picking of the grapes to best preserve their quality.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking of Franciacorta Brut Millesimato DOCG 2018 - San Cristoforo strictly follows the classic method, the same used for Champagne. After an initial fermentation, part of the wine ages in steel to enhance freshness, while a small portion rests in wood to provide greater complexity. The secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, where the wine matures on its lees for about 40 months. This prolonged contact with the lees enriches the bouquet with fragrant notes and a creamy structure that distinguishes it for elegance and aromatic cleanliness.

Tasting Notes

The Franciacorta Brut Millesimato DOCG 2018 - San Cristoforo impresses with its balance between freshness and softness, with a refined and persistent aromatic profile.

Color

In the glass, it presents a bright straw yellow with delicate golden reflections. The fine and continuous perlage testifies to the long stay on the lees and the care taken during the secondary fermentation phase.

Nose

The nose is intense and precise, with hints of ripe citrus, green apple, and white flowers. Subtle hints of bread crust and hazelnut then emerge, typical of bottle aging, enriching the whole with elegant mineral nuances.

Palate

On the palate, it shows a harmonious structure, a fine and creamy bubble, and a perfect balance between freshness and softness. The lively acidity gives impetus to the sip, while the savory and persistent finish invites another taste.

Food Pairings for Franciacorta Brut Millesimato DOCG 2018 - San Cristoforo

Versatile and refined, this Franciacorta is ideal as an aperitif but truly shines at the table. Recommended pairings include:

• Raw fish, carpaccio, and tartare
• Seafood pasta dishes, such as seafood risotto or spaghetti with clams
• Delicate white meats and fresh cheeses
• Vegetable tempura or oriental cuisine dishes such as sushi and sashimi

Thanks to its lively acidity and elegance, it also pairs well with more structured dishes, as long as they are not too spicy or sweet.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Franciacorta Brut Millesimato DOCG 2018 - San Cristoforo

To best appreciate its freshness and aromatic characteristics, the Franciacorta Brut Millesimato DOCG 2018 - San Cristoforo should be consumed within 2-3 years of purchase. It is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, avoiding thermal changes and vibrations. Keep the bottles horizontally to keep the cork always moist and ensure a perfect seal. Serve it at a temperature of about 6-8°C to best enhance its fruity notes and pleasant effervescence.