What kind of wine is Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG 'Blànc' 2019 - Contadi Castaldi?

The Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG 'Blànc' 2019 - Contadi Castaldi is a sparkling wine of great elegance produced with the traditional method, the same one used for Champagne, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. It originates in the heart of Franciacorta, in Lombardy, one of Italy's most renowned areas for producing high-quality sparkling wines. This Extra Brut stands out for its refined, dry, and precise style, capable of combining the freshness of Chardonnay grapes with the structure and complexity contributed by Pinot Noir. It is a wine designed for lovers of authentic, balanced, and characterful sparkling wines.

Vintage Details

The 2019 vintage in the Franciacorta area was characterized by a balanced climate, with a regular spring and a warm but not excessive summer. The grapes reached optimal ripeness, with a perfect balance between acidity and sugars. The harvest, carried out by hand in the hilly vineyards of Contadi Castaldi, ensured healthy fruits of excellent quality, an ideal condition for obtaining a precise and refined sparkling wine.

Winemaking and Aging

The Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG 'Blànc' 2019 - Contadi Castaldi is produced according to the traditional method. After a soft pressing of whole clusters, the must ferments in stainless steel to enhance its freshness and aromatic purity. This is followed by a long aging on the lees for at least 30 months, during which the wine develops complex notes and a creamy structure. After disgorgement, it rests for an additional 3 months in the bottle, to achieve perfect harmony before release.

Tasting Notes

The Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG 'Blànc' 2019 - Contadi Castaldi is a sparkling wine that captivates the sight, smell, and palate with its elegance and precision. It stands out for its fresh, mineral, and citrus aromatic profile, well-balanced by fine and persistent bubbles.

Color

To the eye, it presents a bright straw yellow, with golden reflections and a fine and continuous perlage that attests to its long stay on the lees.

Nose

The bouquet is intense and complex: notes of white-fleshed fruit, citrus, and fresh flowers emerge, accompanied by nuances of bread crust and toasted almond, typical of aging on the lees. An olfactory profile that combines freshness and depth.

Palate

On the palate, it is vibrant and dry, with a perfect balance between acidity and structure. The creamy bubbles amplify the fruity and mineral sensations, delivering a clean and persistent finish. Its freshness makes it very pleasant to drink and highly versatile at the table.

What dishes to pair with Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG 'Blànc' 2019 - Contadi Castaldi

This Franciacorta Extra Brut is ideal as a companion for elegant aperitifs and refined dishes. Its balanced personality makes it a high-level all-meal wine. Here are some suggested pairings:

• Seafood crudités and tuna or salmon tartare
• Delicate fish or vegetable-based first courses
• Grilled sea bass fillet, shellfish, or scallops
• Fresh or soft cheeses

Also perfect with vegetarian dishes or sushi, thanks to its acidity and delicate savoriness that enhances their flavors.

Storage and aging: how to store Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG 'Blànc' 2019 - Contadi Castaldi wine

To fully appreciate the freshness and lively fragrance of this sparkling wine, it is advisable to consume it young, within 2-3 years of disgorgement. Store Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG 'Blànc' 2019 - Contadi Castaldi in a cool, dark place free of temperature fluctuations, at a constant temperature between 10 and 15°C, keeping the bottles lying down to keep the cork moist. These simple precautions will ensure that its elegant effervescence and aromatic purity are preserved, making it one of the best examples of Franciacorta Extra Brut.