What wine is Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista
The Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista is an excellent traditional method sparkling wine produced in the renowned Franciacorta hilly area in Lombardy. It is made only in the best vintages and represents the highest expression of Bellavista winery's oenological art. It is a wine of rare elegance, the result of a balanced blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, which fully expresses the complexity and finesse typical of this denomination.
The Extra Brut style, with a very low sugar dosage, highlights the natural freshness and crispness of the wine, making it a perfect example of balance between elegance and structure.
Vintage details
The 2016 harvest in Franciacorta was characterized by regular weather conditions, with mild temperatures and a balanced summer that favored a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. These conditions allowed for healthy and aromatically rich bunches, ideal for a Riserva wine destined for long aging. The grapes are selected from Bellavista's best plots, including Erbusco, Nigoline, Torbiato, and Colombaro, areas that lend the blend a variety of nuances and great gustatory complexity.
Winemaking and aging
The Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista is produced using the traditional method, the same one used for Champagne, which involves secondary fermentation directly in the bottle. After soft pressing and initial fermentation, part of the base wines ages in small oak barrels to add structure and depth. The wine then rests on its lees for at least seven years before disgorgement, an exceptionally long aging period that gives it softness, complexity, and extraordinary aromatic harmony.
Tasting notes
The Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista stands out for its perfect balance of freshness and aromatic intensity, offering a complete and refined sensory experience.
Color
In the glass, it presents an intense golden yellow, bright and brilliant, with a very fine perlage that rises elegantly and persistently, a sign of the long stay on the lees.
Nose
The aromatic profile is broad and complex: notes of ripe citrus, candied fruit, and acacia honey emerge, followed by hints of toasted hazelnut, vanilla, and a mineral accent that adds depth. The long evolution in the bottle adds nuances of bread crust and dried flowers.
Palate
On the palate, it is full, balanced, and vibrant. The natural freshness and fine acidity balance the creamy and enveloping structure. The finish is long and savory, with elegant citrus returns and a persistence that confirms the wine's class.
Food pairings for Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista
This sparkling wine of great personality is ideal for accompanying refined dishes and high-quality ingredients. Perfect as an all-meal wine, it expresses its best when paired with:
- Raw seafood and oysters
- Baked or grilled white fish fillet
- Seafood or lemon risottos
- Delicate white meats or poultry
- Aged but not overly intense cheeses
Thanks to its elegance and freshness, it is also perfect for accompanying classy aperitifs or important toasts.
Storage and aging: how to store Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista wine
To best store the Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista, it is advisable to keep the bottles in a cool, dark place free from temperature fluctuations, preferably horizontally to keep the cork moist. Although it is a Riserva capable of evolving over time, it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 years of purchase to best appreciate its aromatic finesse, freshness, and gustatory balance. After this period, the characteristics will evolve towards more mature and complex notes, but with less vivacity.
Bellavista
The history of the Bellavista winery The Bellavista winery, located in the heart of Franciacorta, represents the perfect fusion of centuries-old tradition and modern innovation. Founded in the 1970s by Vittorio Moretti, Bellavista has established itself on the international scene thanks to its fo...
How to best open and serve Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening, let the bottle of Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista rest in a vertical position for at least 24 hours. This allows any sediments to settle at the bottom and facilitates a clean and precise serving. Avoid sudden movements or shaking to prevent compromising the clarity and fineness of the perlage.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
This Franciacorta expresses its optimal aromatic complexity at a serving temperature between 8°C and 10°C. To reach the correct temperature:
- Chill the bottle in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
- Alternatively, immerse it in an ice bucket with ice and water for 30 minutes, avoiding the use of a freezer to prevent altering the internal pressure.
3. Opening the Bottle
Thoroughly dry the bottle and ensure it is well chilled. Remove the protective capsule and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork for safety. With one hand, hold the cork firmly and with the other, gently rotate the bottle, not the cork. Allow the gas to escape slowly until you hear a slight hiss, a sign of a perfect and controlled opening.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Immediately after opening, check the clarity and effervescence of the wine. Pour a small quantity of Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista into a tulip-shaped glass for a first taste. Check that the aromas are clean and fresh, with notes of ripe fruit, citrus, and slight hints of pastry, typical of long aging on the lees.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although decanting is not common for sparkling wines, in the case of a Riserva like this, a brief oxygenation can be useful to enhance the aromatic complexity. Leave the wine in the glass for a few minutes, or pour it into a wide-mouthed carafe with slow and controlled movement. This will allow the aromas to fully open up, providing greater depth of flavor.
6. Serving
Serve Franciacorta Extra Brut Riserva DOCG “Vittorio Moretti” 2016 - Bellavista in large, tulip-shaped glasses or flutes with a wide bowl, to enhance the creamy texture of the bubbles and allow for better aromatic development. Fill the glass about two-thirds full, holding the bottle at a 45° angle to preserve the fine effervescence.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle hermetically with a sparkling wine stopper and store it in the refrigerator. The wine will maintain its freshness and perlage for 24–48 hours. For optimal experiences, it is recommended to finish it on the same day, to fully appreciate its energy and aromatic complexity.