Berlucchi
'61 Nature Blanc de Blancs
Berlucchi’s excellence is born of curiosity and deep friendship. In 1955, Guido Berlucchi, a successful landowner in the Franciacorta region, approached the young enologist and consultant, Franco Ziliani, to improve his still wines. Then, Ziliani came to Berlucchi with the question: what if we were to make a sparkling wine as the French do? Berlucchi, who was eager to first improve the viability of his Pinot del Castello, offered his property and support to this pioneering experiment. After a number of unsatisfactory vintages, the two men’s partnership produced the first shining vintage of their classic method sparkling wine, the 1961 “Pinot di Franciacorta.” In 1967, Franciacorta became a recognized designation of origin for Italian wine, with Berlucchi leading the way.
Unencumbered by generations of expectation and tradition, Berlucchi succeeded at crafting an elevated sparkling wine, tailored to Italian standards of excellence. They will undoubtedly continue to brighten the palates and parties of bubbly lovers well beyond the region of Franciacorta.
Awarded Gambero Rosso Winery of the Year 2022.
Tasting Notes
COLOR: Intense straw-yellow with subtle gold highlights. BOUQUET: Broad and deep, with notes of ripe plum, lime blossom, and evolved impressions of caramelized hazelnut. PALATE: Elegance and fine balance are the hallmarks of the palate, which showcases both a velvety smoothness and a well-calibrated acidity. The finish is impressively satisfying, with a near-tactile consistency lifted by a delicate bead.
Cultivation
The harvest period is the middle third of August. Average yield of 8500kg of grapes per hectare with a must yield of 28% (equivalent to 3170 bottles per hectare).
Vinification
Vinification is a slow, gentle pressing with quality-fractioning of the juice. The must ferments in steel, and the finest lots then mature for 6 months in French oak barrels. The cuvee is assembled the following spring with only wine from the previous year.
Aging
Second fermentation in the bottle and maturation for a minimum of 5 years on the lees, followed by an additional 6 months after disgorgement.
Press
2016:
95 points - Wine Enthusiast
2015: 93 points - Wine Enthusiast
92 points - James Suckling
2014:
94 points - Wine Enthusiast
2013:
94 points - Wine Enthusiast
93 points - Decanter
90 points - Antonio Galloni
2012:
92 points - James Suckling
APPELLATION
DOCG Franciacorta
VARIETAL
100% Chardonnay
ABV
12.5%
PHILOSOPHY
Organic