Berlucchi
'61 Nature
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
Non-dossage. So, bone dry and very precise. Lifted and vibrant this wine is super serious for those that geek out on grower champagne, but if you just want to be the cool kid at the party take this bottle and impress wine loving friends!
Cultivation
The harvest period is the middle ten days of August. Average yield of 9500kg of grapes per hectare with a must yield of 30% (equivalent to 3800 bottles per hectare). The vines have a density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
Vinification
Vinification is a gentle, gradual pressing of clusters and fractioning of the must. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in steel tanks with maturation of the best lots in oak barrique and left to age for 6 months. Assemblage of the cuvee happens in the spring following harvest using only the wines of that vintage.
Aging
Bottle fermentation and maturation sur lie for a minimum of 5 years, followed by another 6 months aging after disgorgement.
Press
2016:
94 points - Wine Enthusiast
2015: 93 points - James Suckling
91 points - Wine Spectator
2014:
95 points - Wine Enthusiast
2013:
93 points - Decanter
2012:
94 points - Wine Enthusiast
92 points - Wine Spectator
92 points - James Suckling
91 points - Antonio Galloni
2011:
97 points - Decanter
95 points - Wine Enthusiast
92 points - Robert Parker
APPELLATION
DOCG Franciacorta
VARIETAL
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Nero
ABV
12.5%
PHILOSOPHY
Organic