What kind of wine is Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701?
The Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701 is a Classic Method sparkling wine, meaning it is produced with secondary fermentation in the bottle, similar to Champagne. It is made in the heart of Franciacorta, Lombardy, a region renowned for its elegant and well-balanced sparkling wines. This wine represents the philosophy of the 1701 winery, the first certified organic and biodynamic producer in the area, which operates with respect for the natural cycles of the vineyard and the land. The "Dosaggio Zero" style means no sugar is added after disgorgement: the result is a pure, essential sparkling wine that authentically expresses the character of the terroir.
Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage is considered one of the most balanced in recent years in Franciacorta, thanks to regular climatic conditions. A mild spring and a dry but not excessively hot summer allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, achieving a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness. The manual harvest ensured healthy and high-quality grapes, ideal for producing fine and elegant sparkling wine bases.
Winemaking and Aging
This Franciacorta is made from a cuvée predominantly of Chardonnay with a small portion of Pinot Nero. After the first fermentation, the base wine is blended and bottled with grape must to initiate the secondary natural fermentation in the bottle. The aging on lees – a fundamental phase for enriching the bouquet and structure – lasts over 5 years before disgorgement. The long aging gives the wine aromatic complexity, freshness, and a very fine, persistent taste.
Tasting Notes
The Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701 stands out for its elegance and depth. It is a sparkling wine of extraordinary definition, capable of impressing from the first taste thanks to its remarkable expressive clarity.
Color
In the glass, it presents a bright golden yellow, with slightly coppery reflections and a dense, persistent perlage, a sign of long maturation on the lees.
Nose
The nose is complex and refined: notes of bread crust, dried fruit, and candied citrus emerge, with a mineral hint reminiscent of the chalky soil of Franciacorta. With time, nuances of acacia honey and white flowers unfold, maintaining a lively and inviting freshness.
Taste
On the palate, it is dry, decisive, and harmonious. The absence of sugar dosage enhances the purity of the sip, while the vibrant acidity and creamy structure make it dynamic and persistent. It finishes with a pleasant saline and citrus sensation, immediately inviting a second taste.
Food Pairings for Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701
Thanks to its structure and freshness, this Franciacorta is ideal for accompanying many Mediterranean and seafood dishes. Perfect with:
- raw fish and salmon or tuna tartare;
- oysters and shellfish;
- light fried seafood;
- dishes based on white meats or poultry;
- aged cheeses that are not too intense.
It is also excellent as an all-meal wine for an elegant dinner or an important toast, where a refined yet authentic glass is desired.
Storage and Aging – How to store Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701
To best enjoy this wine, it should be stored in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature between 10 and 14°C and the bottle in a horizontal position to keep the cork moist. Although it is already perfectly ready to drink, it can evolve harmoniously for 2-3 years after disgorgement, developing greater complexity and softer notes. However, its freshness and expressive precision make it ideal to enjoy young, to fully savor the purity of the 1701 style.
How to best open and serve Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701, position the bottle vertically for a few hours, preferably 12-24. This allows sediments to settle at the bottom and facilitates a cleaner, more pleasant pour. Avoid abrupt movements or shaking that could alter the foam and compromise the tasting experience.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The ideal serving temperature for Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701 is between 8°C and 10°C. Slowly chill the bottle in an ice bucket with water and ice for about 20-30 minutes, avoiding placing it in the freezer: an excessive thermal shock could negatively alter the wine's structure.
3. Opening the Bottle
To properly open this prestigious Riserva:
- Remove the top foil completely exposing the cork and cage.
- Slightly loosen the cage while always keeping your thumb on top of the cork for safety.
- Tilt the bottle to about 45° and slowly rotate the base, not the cork: the wine should “sigh,” not “pop.”
- Check for any leaks or unusual odors upon opening.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Observe the color and brilliance in the glass: a Franciacorta Riserva of this vintage should show a fine and persistent perlage, with golden reflections. On the nose, check that the aromas are clean, complex, and consistent with the wine's origin and age. A small initial sip will help you perceive the freshness and structure of the Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although Franciacorta is a sparkling wine, in its Riserva Dosaggio Zero version, it benefits from a slight moment of oxygenation. Pour a glass and let it rest for a couple of minutes: this allows the bubbles to integrate with the more mature and complex aromas. If the wine initially presents closed aromas, you can pour it into a sparkling wine decanter and let it "breathe" for 5-10 minutes.
6. Serving
Serve the wine in large sparkling wine glasses or structured white wine glasses, capable of enhancing the complexity of the aromas and the finesse of the perlage of the Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701. Fill them no more than two-thirds full, to allow for proper perception of the aromas. Ideal when paired with raw fish dishes, shellfish, or aged cheeses.
7. Storage After Opening
Once opened, store the Franciacorta Riserva Dosaggio Zero DOCG '1701' 2016 - 1701 in the refrigerator with an airtight sparkling wine stopper, keeping it in an upright position. It is best to consume it within 24-36 hours to best appreciate its bubbles and aromatic complexity. After this period, the foam will tend to subside, but the wine will still remain pleasantly harmonious.