What kind of wine is Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco
The Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco is the iconic sparkling wine of the renowned Brescia winery, as well as one of the finest expressions of the Italian Classic method. It originates in the heart of Franciacorta, Lombardy, from Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir grapes selected only from the best plots of the estate's vineyards.
“Dosaggio Zero” means that no sugar is added after secondary fermentation in the bottle: a choice that highlights the authenticity of the territory and the purity of the fruit. The result is an elegant, complex, and surprisingly balanced sparkling wine, capable of expressing the full essence of Franciacorta on the palate.
Vintage details
The 2016 vintage is remembered for its climatic balance: a regular spring and a moderately warm summer led the vines to slow and progressive ripening. The harvest took place between late August and early September, with healthy, aromatic grapes and a perfect natural acidity for a Franciacorta destined for long aging.
Winemaking and aging
The production of Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco is a process of artisanal precision. After the delicate pressing of the grapes, the musts ferment partly in steel and partly in small oak barrels. This is followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle according to the Classic Method and an exceptional aging on lees for over eight years. Disgorgement occurs in the total absence of oxygen, thanks to a system patented by Ca’ del Bosco, to preserve its freshness and fragrance intact.
A distinctive detail of this edition is the innovative label, made with natural pigments obtained from the morainic stones of the vineyards, fused with a transparent resin: a tangible tribute to the territory from which everything originates.
Tasting notes
A complex yet harmonious Franciacorta, which enchants with its precision and depth. Each sip reveals a new nuance.
Colour
Bright and luminous, with an intense golden yellow. The perlage is very fine and persistent, an unmistakable sign of long aging on the lees.
Nose
On the nose, candied citrus, white flowers, and dried fruit stand out, accompanied by evolved notes of honey, bread crust, and light toasted nuances. A complex, elegant, and ever-evolving bouquet.
Palate
On the palate, it is dry and enveloping, with a lively freshness and a well-balanced acidity that give it great verticality. The finish is long and clean, with a pleasant return of almond and marine minerality.
Food pairings with Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco
This Franciacorta lends itself to accompanying elegant and refined cuisine, but also surprises with simpler pairings, enhancing every dish.
- Raw seafood and oysters, for those who love classic pairings.
- Steamed or grilled fish dishes, which highlight its mineral depth.
- Risottos with seafood or citrus, to harmonize freshness and structure.
- Aged cheeses and delicate white dishes.
It is also ideal as a meditation wine, to be enjoyed alone to appreciate every nuance.
Storage and aging: how to store Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco
To best preserve it, store it in a cool, dark, and vibration-free place, keeping the bottle lying down to preserve the integrity of the cork. Although it is a long-aged Franciacorta, it expresses the best of its freshness and complexity within 2-3 years of purchase. Enjoying it young allows you to fully appreciate the precision of the aromas and the gustatory tension that make it unique.
Ca' del Bosco
The History of the Ca' del Bosco Winery Ca' del Bosco represents a journey into the tradition of Italian wine, weaving together heritage, innovation, and passion. In the heart of Franciacorta, this winery has become a symbol of wine excellence. Founded in the 1960s, it has successfully combined t...
How to best open and serve Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the bottle of Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco, ensure it has been stored horizontally, in a cool, dark place. A few hours before serving, place it in an upright position to allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom. Avoid abrupt movements, which could compromise the clarity of the wine.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal serving temperature for this Franciacorta is between 8°C and 10°C. Chill it gradually in an ice bucket with water and ice for about 20-30 minutes. Avoid serving it too cold, as low temperatures can mask the aromatic complexity and finesse of the perlage.
3. Opening the Bottle
To correctly open the Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco:
- Remove the top foil and loosen the wire cage without removing it completely.
- Hold the cork firmly with one hand and the base of the bottle with the other, tilting the bottle slightly to about 45°.
- Slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork) until you hear a gentle sigh as it opens. The cork should come out without excessive noise, preserving the fineness of the bubbles.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, observe the color: it should have clear and brilliant golden reflections. Smell the glass to check the purity of the aroma, which, in the case of the Annamaria Clementi 2016, stands out for its elegance and complexity. A small initial sip confirms the integrity and balance of the wine.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Even though it is a traditional method, some sommeliers recommend slight oxygenation for long-aged Franciacorta Riserva like this one. You can:
- Pour the wine into a large decanter, letting it breathe for 10-15 minutes.
- Alternatively, leave the wine in the glass, swirling it slowly to encourage aromatic expression.
This phase helps the Ca’ del Bosco Annamaria Clementi 2016 to express all its notes of yeast, dried fruit, and minerals with greater richness.
6. Serving
Serve the Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Riserva DOCG 'Annamaria Clementi' 2016 - Ca’ del Bosco in large glasses, preferably white wine glasses, to enhance its complex bouquet. Pour gently, avoiding abrupt movements that could disturb the perlage. Ideal as an accompaniment to fish dishes, crustaceans, tartare, or aged cheeses.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with a specific airtight stopper for sparkling wines and store it in the refrigerator. Its effervescence and freshness will last for approximately 24-48 hours. Avoid leaving the bottle open at room temperature, as the loss of CO₂ would compromise its taste quality.