Berlucchi '61 Brut Rose Franciacorta N.V.
(Lombardy, Italy) - [JS 93] [WE 92] [DM 92]

Winemaker Notes:
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.

Technical Details:

GRAPES
Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) from the best vineyards in the 19 municipal areas of Franciacorta.
YIELD
9,000 kg of grapes per hectare with 55% must yield, equivalent to 6,600 bottles per hectare.
VINIFICATION
Gentle, gradual pressing of clusters with fractioning of the must; alcoholic fermentation in steel vats. A few hours’ maceration of the Pinot Nero on the skins (rosé maceration) to emphasize the aromas and hue of the grape variety.
MATURATION
Assemblage of the cuvée in the spring following harvest. with the contribution of 5% of reserve wine reserve consisting of the previous year cuvée aged in stainless steel tank for one year. Second fermentation in the bottles and maturation sur lie for a minimum of 24 months followed by an additional 2 months after disgorgement.

Tasting Notes:

SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS: APPEARANCE
Soft, foamy mousse with long-lasting cordon around the glass; fine, lingering bead.
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS: COLOUR
Intense pink, varies slightly according to the vintage, due to the different ripeness levels of phenolic compounds in the Pinot Noir.
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS: BOUQUET
Elegant hints of wild berries and ripe fruit, nicely blended with subtle nuances of yeast and crusty bread. Heady, warm quality from the brief Pinot Noir maceration on the skins during vinification.
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS: PALATE
Refined and elegant with exceptional acidity and full body. The acidity is balanced well by the medium-high sugar content.
PAIRINGS
Perfect as an aperitif, it will also pair well with various cold meats and charcuterie, full-flavoured first courses and fully matured cheeses. Pairing with shellfish enhances its impressive structure.

Ratings & Reviews:

93 Points - James Suckling
"Quite a raw profile with grapefruit aromas, peppery and floral. The tense palate has zesty acidity, lean body, redcurrants and strawberries and a polished finish. Disgorged November 2023. Drinkable now but best from one to two years."  (May 2024)

92 Points - Decanter:
"Delicate red forest fruit, pastry and lemon curd nose. Notes of red blossom and toast on the palate. A good effort, finishing lengthily. Blend : 60% Pinot Nero, 40% Chardonnay."

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
“This wine draws you deep into the glass with aromas of tart red fruits, hints of freshly baked bread, and delicate pink flowers that swirl about the head. A wave of minerality crescendos up to crash upon flavors of fresh raspberries that burst across the palate. Vital and energetic the wine continues with crunchy acidity on the nervy finish." (Dec 2024)

Vinous Media:
"Zesty citrus comes together with dusty rose and ginger through the spicy bouquet. The NV Brut Rosé Franciacorta Berlucchi '61 opens with a pretty inner sweetness and round soothing bubbles giving way to ripe strawberry fruit. It finishes fresh and with medium length through the hard red candy finale." - Eric Guido (Dec 2023)