What kind of wine is Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi?
The Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi is an elegant and contemporary sparkling wine that perfectly represents the encounter between the vivacity of a white and the structure of a red. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, it captures in the glass the typical freshness of the Franciacorta region and the complexity that only long aging can impart. The result is a rosé with a refined and decisive character, capable of surprising with its balance and personality.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by dynamic climatic conditions: a mild winter followed by a warm and dry spring, which anticipated grape ripening. Summer conditions, with sunny days and good diurnal temperature variation, favored the development of expressive aromas and a perfect concentration of scents and flavors. The yield in the vineyard was limited, a sign of a quality harvest, with grapes showing an intense aromatic profile and natural acidity, ideal for the production of Franciacorta Nature.
Winemaking and Aging
For the production of Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi, the method of short maceration is used, during which the must remains in contact with the skins for a limited time. This process gently extracts color and aromas, giving the typical rosé hue and balanced fruity notes. This is followed by fermentation in steel tanks and a long aging on the lees for at least 5 years, which enhances the complexity and fineness of the perlage, ensuring a full yet always fresh sip.
Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, it presents a pale pink hue with coppery reflections, bright and lively, accompanied by a fine and persistent perlage, a sign of excellent quality in the secondary fermentation.
Nose
The bouquet is refined and engaging, with clear notes of fresh red berries such as redcurrant and wild strawberry, enriched by citrus notes and an elegant hint of bread crust, a natural expression of the long aging on the lees.
Palate
On the palate, it surprises with its balance and energy: the attack is fresh and lively, supported by a vibrant acidity and a pleasant creamy sensation. The finish, dry and mineral, concludes the sip with great cleanliness, immediately inviting another taste.
Food Pairings for Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi
Versatile and refined, Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi pairs easily with various preparations. Its freshness and structure make it perfect to accompany:
- Fish and shellfish appetizers, such as tuna carpaccio or marinated scampi
- White meat dishes and delicate cured hams
- Ethnic cuisine, thanks to its balancing acidity
- Fresh or medium-aged cheeses
Also excellent as an aperitif wine to elegantly start a dinner or a special evening.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi
To maintain its qualities, Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light, preferably horizontally if the bottle is sealed with a cork stopper. It is recommended to consume it within 1-2 years of purchase to appreciate its original fragrance and vivacity.
Although its long aging on the lees gives it good longevity, its most authentic expression is found in its youth, when the fruit and freshness reach their peak.
Berlucchi
The history of the Berlucchi winery The Berlucchi winery is synonymous with Italian winemaking tradition, with roots deeply embedded in Franciacorta's cultural heritage. From its inception, Berlucchi has distinguished itself by its ability to combine respect for traditional production techniques ...
How to Best Open and Serve Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi, it's important to leave the bottle in an upright position for at least 24 hours. This allows any sediment, potentially present in a vintage wine, to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing during opening. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, gently return it to an upright position without shaking.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal temperature for serving a vintage Franciacorta Rosé is between 8°C and 10°C. To achieve this:
- Cool the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 20 minutes.
- Alternatively, store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
- Avoid placing it in the freezer, as excessive temperature fluctuations can alter the aromatic profile.
3. Opening the Bottle
Carefully remove the capsule, dry the neck, and hold the bottle firmly with one hand, tilted at approximately 45°. Loosen the wire cage without completely removing it and, holding the cork steady, slowly rotate the bottle. Allow the gas to escape in a controlled manner, resulting in a gentle "sigh" rather than a pop. This preserves the bubbles and respects the fine perlage typical of Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, pour a small amount of wine into a flute or tulip glass and observe the color, which should display coppery reflections and a fine, persistent mousse. Proceed with a first taste to check the aromatic cleanliness and freshness of the wine. If oxidized notes or defects emerge, the wine may no longer be in its optimal condition.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi does not require traditional decanting like aged red wines, it can benefit from brief oxygenation:
- Leave the bottle open for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the aromatic bouquet to fully express itself.
- Alternatively, pour the wine into a sparkling wine carafe for a greater opening of red fruit aromas and mineral notes.
6. Serving
Serve Franciacorta Millesimato Nature Rosé DOCG 2017 - Berlucchi in tulip or wide sparkling wine glasses, which enhance the aromas and allow the bubbles to develop harmoniously. Fill the glasses two-thirds full, maintaining a constant temperature throughout the service with the aid of an ice bucket.
7. Storage After Opening
If the entire bottle is not consumed, re-seal it with a specific sparkling wine stopper. Store it in the refrigerator at approximately 6°C and consume it within 24 hours to best appreciate its freshness and aromatic complexity. Avoid exposure to heat sources or direct light, which can compromise the wine's quality.