Antica Fratta Franciacorta Essence Saten 2020

Drink now or cellar for up to 7 years. Serve chilled. The Antica Fratta story begins in the middle of the 19th century when merchant Luigi Rossetti purchased the existing farm and converted the property into a winery. Luigi had fallen in love with the stunning scenery around Monticelli Brusati and set out to create his own legacy here by carving out 1.7 km of wine cellars into the rock in the shape of a Greek cross. These cellars are still in use today by the current owner, Franco Zilliani, a legendary Italian winemaker who acquired the estate in 1979. Zilliani is best known for his work with the famous Berlucchi brand of Franciacorta wines, but at Antica Fratta he has strived to mirror the Grower Champagnes of France by embracing artisanal methods and small batch production. His iconic Essence Saten showcases the brilliance of the Chardonnay varietal. Grapes are grown on prime sites in the Franciacorta hills and harvested by hand. The must is then vinified in stainless steel tanks with a part of the wine going into barriques to add extra personality. The young wine is then aged on the lees for 30 months in Antica Fratta’s extensive network of cellars where temperature remains a steady 16°C. Bursting with delicate floral notes and hints of brioche, toast and green apples, this is a fantastic alternative to Champagne and ideal for serving as an aperitif. It can also be kept in the cellar for a few more years where it will continue to develop and evolve.

Price: £27.20 from 8wines UK