Marchese Antinori Tenuta Montenisa Cuvée Royale Franciacorta NV
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 92]

Produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc grapes grown at Tenuta Montenisa, the aging on its lees brings out all of the wine’s intense aromas of white peaches, apples, and hints of toasted bread.

The Vineyards
The property cultivates the varieties which, by tradition, best given the finest results in Franciacorta: Chardonnay, with its typical aromas of fruit and flowers; Pinot Noir, which gives structure and personality; and Pinot Blanc, savory and mineral in character. The historic vineyards are located on the hill of Santo Stefano, whose excellent grapes give wines of balance and complexity.

The more recent vineyards, planted in a parcel surrounded by walls, known locally as a “brolo”, have been programmed to produce great grapes for great wines.

Vinification and Aging
The must obtained by this first pressing went directly into temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks where the alcoholic fermentation took place. The wine then went through the process of second fermentation in bottle, refining in contact with its fine lees for a substantial period of time.

Tasting Notes
The Marchese Antinori Cuvée Royal presents a light-yellow color along with a creamy foam and a fine and lengthy perlage. The nose is struck by the pleasurable notes of white peach, well balanced by sensations of bread crust and lees. The palate is harmonious and fully expresses the vivacity of a fine Brut.

Ratings and Reviews

92 points - James Suckling:
"Telltale Franciacorta for its stone-fruit character enhanced by broom flowers and lemon zest. Medium-bodied with fine mousse, this has crisp, long acidity and a tight grapefruit-flavored finish. Disgorged March 2023." (May 2024)