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Fanciacorta Saten Brut 2005 Museum Release 2005 Wine Review

Fanciacorta Saten Brut 2005 Museum Release 2005

Fanciacorta Saten Brut 2005 Museum Release 2005

Franciacorta, Lombady, Italy

Community Score:95/100

Community Reviews: 1

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Drink: 2015-2022

Alcohol: 12%

Wine Type: Sparkling Wine


Reviews and Ratings

Stephen Beaumont CSW CWE rated this wine as 95/100 with the following review:

Just south of Lago d'Iseo in the Lombardy area of Northern Italy, lies the region of Franciacorta where they have been making wine since 11th century when Burgundian monks set up shop there. Most famous for its sparkling wines that are made using the traditional Champagne method (with the second fermentation in bottle), it is a region that deserves greater recognition as the wines, as evidenced by this exquisite example of a prestige sparkler from Ricci Curbastro, can be absolutely world class.

I was fortunate to attend a seminar in Toronto at which Ricardo Ricci Curbastro was present, and he guided us through several of his wines. The company is very invested in sustainable practices and has achieved a negative carbon footprint that is now internationally recognized. But this is no gimmick; you can sense the passion as soon as he starts to speak about his business, and the quality of the wines speak for themselves.

This is not an inexpensive wine - it retails for around $80 in USA - but compares very favourably to its French cousins in both value and quality. It is made from 100% Chardonnay and is smooth as silk (saten), another product for which the Lombardy area is famous.

The bouquet has citrus and tropical notes layered with the yeasty aromas of an Italian bakery. The flavours, which are beautifully melded owing to the long aging, are slightly herbaceous but tinged with flowers and perhaps some vanilla and butter. Absolutely delicious on its own but crying out for food. Although this is a sparkling wine, Ricardo told us that in Franciacorta, they simply refer to it as 'wine'. It can accompany an entire meal and is not thought of as a wine only for celebration. If I could drink this wine every day, I would be a happy man!

Seek it out, savour and enjoy. And if you get a chance to visit the area, visit the winery. It is a spectacular part of the world and you may even bump into George Cluny who lives nearby on Lake Como!

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