Berlucchi '61 Franciacorta Brut NV

For those in search of a true classic, here is a wine that works both as an aperitif and throughout a meal. It will bring out the flavours of a variety of dishes, from rice and pasta to white meats or fresh and medium-aged cheeses, without ever overpowering them. It goes well with a number of traditional Franciacorta recipes, from casoncelli (stuffed ravioli) to lake fish (perch and char). 
GRAPES Chardonnay (90%) e Pinot Nero (10%), from the best vineyards in the 19 municipal areas of Franciacorta. HARVEST PERIOD From middle ten days of August to the first ten days of September. VINIFICATION Gentle, gradual pressing of clusters with fractioning of the must; alcoholic fermentation in steel vats. MATURATION Assemblage of the cuvee in the spring following harvest. Second fermentation in the bottles and maturation sur lie for a minimum of 24 months followed by an additional 2 months after disgorgement. 
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS APPEARANCE: soft mousse with long-lasting cordon around the glass; fine, lingering bead. 
COLOR: straw-yellow with greenish highlights.
BOUQUET: crisp, rich and elegant, fairly lengthy, with apple and pear fruit and a pleasing citrus hint in the finish. 
PALATE: displays exceptional freshness and zesty acidity with a velvet texture and fine balance, concluding with appealing notes of citrus. 
PAIRINGS Perfect as an aperitif and throughout the meal, pairing beautifully with typical recipes of the Franciacorta area, such as casoncelli (ravioli) and fresh-water fish (perch and char). It brings out the best qualities of dishes based on rice, pasta, white meats, fresh and medium-aged cheeses. 
SERVING TEMPERATURE 6–8 °C.