"Annamaria Clementi" Franciacorta DOCG Dosaggio Zero Riserva 2016

Hold on. The one proposed here is certainly not the 'usual' Franciacorta. Rather, we can define it as a small jewel, proposed by Ca' del Bosco. A sparkling wine, a Franciacorta DOCG, dedicated to the mother of the legendary Maurizio Zanella, creator of the region's best-known winery. But let us proceed in order. Annamaria Clementi is the fruit of the quest for excellence, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. In accordance with the "Ca' del Bosco" method, the grapes are harvested by hand in small crates, to be promptly codified and cooled in cold rooms. Each bunch is selected by expert eyes and hands, and then benefits from the special bunch washing system developed by the Franciacorta winery. The base wines are obtained exclusively from first-pressing musts. Specifically Chardonnay for 82%, Pinot Noir for 15% and Pinot Blanc for the remaining 3%. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in small oak barrels made from selected woods and matured for at least 3 years. Here, the wine remains in contact with its own yeasts for a further 6 months, also undergoing malolactic fermentation. At that point, only the wine from the best barrels is tapped to give rise to Annamaria Clementi. A pair of flying tanks transfers the base wines by gravity from the barrels to the blending tank. This is followed by bottling and a very long maturation in contact with the yeasts, which lasts for more than 8 years, creating a unique profile: an 'absolute Franciacorta'. Dégorgement takes place in the absence of oxygen, using a unique system, designed and patented by Ca' del Bosco, to avoid oxidative shocks and further additions of sulphites. Finally, each packaged bottle is uniquely marked to ensure traceability. This prestigious Franciacorta DOCG has an intense and luminous golden yellow colour, reflecting nuances reminiscent of honey and amber in the light. Its effervescence is fine and persistent, creating a delicate play of bubbles in the glass. The nose reveals a complex and inviting bouquet. Notes of ripe citrus fruits, such as candied lemon and orange, followed by hints of white-fleshed fruit, such as peach and pear. Then nuances of toasted almond, brioche and fresh yeast that add depth and richness. On the finish, a very clear call of white flowers and a subtle mineral vein. In the mouth, then, it surprises with its extraordinary elegance and complexity. Its acidity is lively but well balanced and the structure harmonious. Ripe fruit flavours blend with notes of toast, vanilla and a hint of spice. The finish is long and persistent, with a pleasant minerality.