What kind of wine is Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina
Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina is a Metodo Classico sparkling wine, meaning it is produced with a second fermentation in the bottle, the same technique used for Champagne and the world's best sparkling wines. It originates in the heart of Franciacorta, in Lombardy, one of Italy's most renowned areas for producing high-quality sparkling wines. Ferghettina interprets this territory with an elegant and complex cuvée, with no added sugar (Pas Dosé), to purely express the freshness and minerality of its terroir.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage in Franciacorta was characterized by a particular climate: a rather harsh winter, followed by a mild spring and a hot, dry summer. Yields in the vineyard were lower, but grape quality reached excellent levels. These conditions favored the balanced ripening of the Chardonnay grapes, the main variety of this Riserva, ensuring excellent aromatic concentration and balanced acidity, fundamental elements for a long-lived sparkling wine.Winemaking and Aging
For the production of Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina, only the best Chardonnay grapes from high-hill parcels are selected. After soft pressing, the musts ferment in stainless steel tanks and in a portion of small oak barrels, to increase their aromatic complexity. The blending of the different base wines takes place after careful tasting by the oenologist. This is followed by re-fermentation in the bottle and an extraordinary aging on the lees for 80 months, a very long period that enriches the wine with refined and enveloping notes. The result is a sparkling wine with no added sugar (Pas Dosé), therefore dry, crystalline, and elegant.Tasting Notes
The Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina presents itself in the glass as a model of harmony and finesse.Color
Brilliant intense straw yellow, with golden reflections and a fine, persistent perlage, a sign of long aging on the lees.Nose
On the nose, it is complex and broad: notes of bread crust, candied citrus, dried fruit, and light hints of vanilla and acacia honey emerge. The mineral notes, typical of the Franciacorta territory, lend depth and personality.Palate
On the palate, it is dry, fresh, and vibrant. The freshness and pronounced acidity make the sip dynamic and lean, while the long aromatic persistence reveals elegant toasted and fruity nuances. A balanced wine, combining structure and delicacy, perfect for those seeking a high-class sparkling wine.Food Pairings for Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina
This Franciacorta is an ideal companion for special moments and refined dinners, but it also offers pleasant surprises with simpler pairings. Perfect with:- raw seafood and oysters
- fish tartare and tuna or salmon carpaccio
- crustacean and mollusk dishes
- delicate seafood risottos
- fresh and medium-aged cheeses
Storage and Aging: How to Store Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina
The Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina is already ready to be enjoyed, but it can evolve further in the bottle over the next 2-3 years, gaining greater complexity. To store it best:- keep the bottle horizontally, away from light
- maintain a constant temperature around 10-12°C
- avoid sudden temperature changes and vibrations
Ferghettina
The History of Ferghettina Winery Ferghettina winery is a symbol of excellence in the Italian wine scene, combining tradition and innovation. Founded in the heart of Franciacorta, this winery has grown over time thanks to a legacy of passion and dedication to quality. Respect for the territory an...
How to open and best serve Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening, it is important to position the Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina bottle correctly. If it has been stored horizontally, place it in a vertical position for about 24 hours. This allows natural sediments to settle at the bottom, ensuring a clear and homogeneous pour.
Make sure the bottle remains protected from direct light and heat sources, elements that could alter the wine's integrity.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Franciacorta Pas Dosé, and particularly its “Riserva 33” 2017 version, is best enjoyed at a temperature between 8°C and 10°C. Serving it too cold can diminish its complex aromas, while a higher temperature risks bringing out unwanted oxidative notes.
- To chill correctly, leave the bottle in the refrigerator for about 3 hours;
- Alternatively, immerse it for 20 minutes in an ice bucket with water and ice;
- Avoid the freezer: an excessive thermal shock can ruin the perlage.
3. Opening the bottle
To safely open your Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina, follow these steps:
- Gently remove the foil and check that the cork shows no signs of excessive humidity or mold;
- Hold the cork with one hand and rotate the bottle with the other, never the other way around;
- Avoid the classic "pop": the release of gas should be controlled, producing only a slight sigh, a sign of elegance and precision.
4. Inspection and first taste
Immediately after opening, check the wine's color and clarity. Franciacorta Riserva 33 Pas Dosé 2017 should exhibit brilliant golden hues and a fine, persistent perlage. On the nose, you will perceive notes of bread crust, dried fruit, and ripe citrus.
Taste a small sip to ensure the wine is in perfect condition: it should be fresh, complex, and well-balanced, free from anomalous scents.
5. Decantation and oxygenation
While being a classic method sparkling wine, Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina can benefit from slight oxygenation to best express its structure and aromatic complexity.
- Pour the wine into large tulip glasses to encourage the opening of its aromas;
- Let it rest in the glass for 3-4 minutes before tasting;
- Avoid decanters: the finesse of the perlage would be compromised.
6. Serving
Serve Franciacorta in large, transparent glasses that allow you to appreciate its color and the persistence of the bubbles. Fill them about two-thirds full, to allow the wine to release its most complex aromas. Pair it with fish dishes, shellfish, delicate tartares, or aged cheeses to enhance its mineral nuances and refined structure.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed completely, reseal the bottle with a stopper designed for sparkling wines, capable of maintaining internal pressure. Store it in the refrigerator, preferably between 6°C and 8°C, and consume it within 24 hours to best enjoy the original effervescence and freshness of the Franciacorta DOCG “Riserva 33” Pas Dosé 2017 - Ferghettina.