What kind of wine is Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero DOCG 2018 - Contadi Castaldi (boxed)

The Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero DOCG 2018 - Contadi Castaldi (boxed) is a classic method sparkling wine, meaning it undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, just like Champagne. It is born in the heart of Franciacorta, a hilly area in Lombardy renowned for producing elegant and very fine sparkling wines. The term "Dosaggio Zero" indicates that no dosage sugar is added during disgorgement: this allows the pure characteristics of the vintage and terroir to emerge, offering a drier, more authentic, and direct wine.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage in Franciacorta was balanced, with regular temperatures and a good diurnal temperature range. The grapes reached optimal ripeness, retaining a natural acidity that guarantees freshness and longevity. The harvest, carried out manually, allowed for the selection of only the best Pinot Noir grapes, a fundamental variety for giving structure and character to this sparkling wine.

Vinification and Aging

The Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero DOCG 2018 - Contadi Castaldi (boxed) is produced using the classic method, which involves re-fermentation in the bottle. After the first fermentation in steel, the wine ages on its lees for at least 36 months. This process gives the wine complexity, toasted bread notes, and increased creaminess. Disgorgement occurs without the addition of sugar, allowing the natural savoriness of Pinot Noir and the expression of the morainic soil to emerge in full harmony.

Tasting Notes

The sensations of Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero DOCG 2018 - Contadi Castaldi (boxed) unfold in a journey that combines elegance and expressive purity.

Color

Visually, it presents a brilliant straw yellow with delicate golden reflections and a fine, persistent perlage, a sign of long aging on the lees and excellent craftsmanship.

Nose

The aroma is intense and clear: notes of ripe citrus, green apple, and white flowers emerge, followed by hints of bread crust and almond. The absence of sugar dosage enhances the more mineral and clean aromas, strengthening the impression of freshness.

Palate

On the palate, it is dry and vibrant, with incisive acidity and a creamy texture balanced by a distinct savoriness. The finish is long and dry, with a pleasant citrus note that invites another sip. It is a "vertical," direct, and energetic wine.

Food Pairings for Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero DOCG 2018 - Contadi Castaldi (boxed)

This Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero DOCG 2018 - Contadi Castaldi (boxed) pairs perfectly with dishes that require freshness and precise taste. Ideal to accompany:

• raw fish and seafood carpaccio;
• oysters and steamed shellfish;
• vegetable or prawn tempura;
• fresh cheeses and lightly aged goat cheeses.

Also excellent as a sophisticated aperitif or to accompany a sushi dinner, thanks to its balance of acidity and savoriness.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero DOCG 2018 - Contadi Castaldi (boxed), it is advisable to keep it in a cool, dark place, with the bottle lying down and at a constant temperature between 10 and 12°C. While it can evolve pleasantly over time, this sparkling wine is meant to be enjoyed young, within 2-3 years of disgorgement, when its freshness and vitality are at their peak.