What wine is Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 'Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi' 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (boxed)
Located in the heart of Franciacorta, around the picturesque village of Calino near Lake Iseo, Tenuta Montenisa belongs to the Antinori family and represents one of the most suitable areas for the production of Italian classic method sparkling wines. The Franciacorta Riserva DOCG "Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi" 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (boxed) is a classic method sparkling wine – the same method used for Champagne – in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. This Franciacorta stands out for its elegant, harmonious style and extraordinary finesse, an authentic expression of the Brescian terroir.Vintage Details
2016 is considered a vintage of great balance in Franciacorta. After a mild winter and a regular spring, the harvest took place in late August-early September with optimal climatic conditions. The temperature range between day and night favored a slow and uniform ripening of the grapes, guaranteeing complex aromas and excellent acidity, an essential component for a classic method wine with good aging potential.Vinification and aging
The production of this Franciacorta Riserva strictly follows the Classic Method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. The base wines are obtained from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes selected from the vineyards of Tenuta Montenisa. After secondary fermentation, the wine remains in contact with its yeasts for over 60 months, a refinement that imparts aromatic complexity, creaminess, and depth of flavor. Only at the end of this long rest does the Franciacorta acquire the refined personality that distinguishes great Riservas.Tasting Notes
Perfectly balanced between freshness, structure, and finesse, the Franciacorta Riserva DOCG "Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi" 2016 offers a rich and velvety sensory experience.Color
Visually, it presents a luminous golden yellow color, animated by a very fine and persistent perlage, indicative of a long and careful secondary fermentation.Nose
The nose releases elegant and complex aromas: notes of candied citrus, white flowers, and dried fruit blend with hints of bread crust and pastry, typical of aging on the lees. The aromatic intensity is balanced by a pleasant freshness.Palate
On the palate, it is broad, creamy, and refined. The bubbles are fine and silky, supported by a lively acidity that gives momentum and length. The finish is mineral and persistent, with a return of almond and ripe citrus, a distinctive sign of high-level Franciacorta.What dishes to pair with Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 'Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi' 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (boxed)
This Franciacorta Riserva is perfect as the protagonist of an entire gastronomic experience, from aperitifs to the most refined table. Ideal in combination with:- Raw fish and seafood tartare or crustaceans
- Shrimp ravioli, seafood or lemon risottos
- Baked sea bass fillet or turbot with butter and sage
- Aged hard cheeses
Storage and aging: how to store Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 'Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi' 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (boxed)
To fully appreciate it, it is recommended to store the Franciacorta Riserva DOCG "Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi" 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (boxed) in a cool, dry place away from light, preferably at a constant temperature between 10 and 14°C and with the bottle in a horizontal position. This Franciacorta is already ready to be enjoyed, but it can evolve pleasantly in the bottle for 2-3 years, maintaining its freshness and aromatic complexity. Consuming it within this period will allow you to fully enjoy the vibrancy and balance that make its 2016 vintage unique.Montenisa Estate
The history of Tenuta Montenisa winery Tenuta Montenisa is a name that evokes a prestigious winemaking tradition, rooted in the heart of Franciacorta. This winery, the legacy of a family that has preserved and innovated over time, represents a perfect blend of history and evolution. Tradition her...
How to best open and serve Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 'Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi' 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (cased)
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 'Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi' 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (cased), position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows the natural sediments, a result of the aging process, to settle at the bottom, ensuring a clear pour without residue.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The optimal serving temperature is between 8°C and 10°C. Chill the bottle gradually, preferably in a bucket with ice and water, avoiding the freezer to preserve the delicate bubbles and complex aromas of this Franciacorta.
3. Opening the bottle
Follow these steps for an elegant and safe opening:
- Carefully remove the foil, keeping the bottle steady.
- Loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden opening.
- Tilt the bottle slightly (about 45°) and rotate the base, not the cork, applying gentle counter-pressure until you hear a soft hiss of air, a sign of a perfect opening.
4. Inspection and first taste
Pour a small amount of wine into the glass to check for clarity and effervescence. Observe the fine and continuous perlage, then smell and taste to ensure the wine has no defects. The bouquet should reveal fragrant notes of brioche, candied citrus, and toasted hazelnut.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Even though it is a sparkling wine, Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 'Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi' 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (cased) can benefit from slight oxygenation. Pour it into a large sparkling wine glass to allow the wine to gradually open up and release the complexity of the mature aromas developed during years of aging on the lees.
6. Serving
Serve in large tulip-shaped glasses, which allow you to appreciate both the fine perlage and the aromatic richness. Fill them two-thirds full and wait a few seconds before tasting, so that the wine can reach the ideal temperature in the glass.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, store the Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 'Tenuta Montenisa - Contessa Maggi' 2016 - Tenuta Montenisa (cased) in the refrigerator, resealing the bottle with a specific stopper for sparkling wines. Under these conditions, you can enjoy it at its best within 24 hours of opening, maintaining the freshness and liveliness of the bubbles.