Franciacorta Millesimato 

GRAPES: Chardonnay (80%) and Pinot Nero (20%), from the Berlucchi estate vineyards Arzelle, Rovere, San Carlo and Ragnoli, all planted to a high density (10,000 vines per hectare). 

HARVEST PERIOD: middle ten days of August 2009. 

YIELD: 7,500 kg of grapes per hectare with 36% must yield, equivalent to 3,600 bottles per hectare. 

VINIFICATION: gentle, gradual pressing of clusters with fractioning of the must; alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks and ageing of best lots in oak barriques sur lie for 6 months. 

MATURATION: assemblage of the cuvée in the spring following harvest exclusively with wines from the same vintage. Second fermentation in the bottles and maturation sur lie for a minimum of 5 years followed by an additional 6 months after disgorgement. 

STYLE: Brut Nature (no dosage). 

SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS: APPEARANCE: generous, creamy mousse with long-lasting cordon around the glass; fine, supple bead. COLOUR: intense straw-yellow colour with light golden highlights. BOUQUET: a very expressive, complex nose with clear minerally hints blending with subtle nuances of citrus fruit, white peaches and crusty bread. PALATE: emphatic, defined acidity on the palate is complemented by a firm structure and lengthy progression, which give the wine its superbly-balanced, vigorous personality. 

PAIRINGS: the Millesimato is perfect throughout the meal, pairing beautifully with flavoursome starters, dishes based on fish or lighter meats, and medium-aged cheeses. 

SERVING TEMPERATURE: 8-10 °C. ANALYTICAL DATA: Alcohol 12.5% Vol, residual sugar traces, total acidity 7.25g/l, pH 3.14. 

FIRST VINTAGE PRODUCED: 2009