Berlucchi '61 Franciacorta Extra Brut

Berlucchi '61 Franciacorta Extra Brut is a refined Italian sparkling wine that captures the elegance and precision of the Franciacorta region. Crafted primarily from Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Nero, it offers a dry, mineral-driven style that appeals to lovers of top-quality traditional-method bubbles. Named in honor of 1961—the year Berlucchi produced the first modern Franciacorta—this cuvée pays tribute to a pivotal moment in Italian sparkling wine history.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Berlucchi '61 Extra Brut shows a bright, straw-yellow hue with fine, persistent perlage that forms a delicate, lasting mousse. The nose is clean and layered, offering notes of green apple, citrus zest, and white flowers, supported by hints of brioche, fresh almonds, and subtle mineral undertones from extended lees aging. On the palate, the wine is crisp, dry, and vibrant, with a tightly knit structure and precise acidity. Flavors of lemon curd, pear, and Granny Smith apple mingle with nuances of toast, hazelnut, and a chalky salinity that gives length and finesse. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine taut and focused, making it particularly food-friendly. While ready to enjoy now for its freshness and energy, it has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 3–5 years, gaining additional complexity and creaminess.

Production
The grapes for Berlucchi '61 Franciacorta Extra Brut are sourced from carefully selected vineyards in Lombardy’s famed Franciacorta appellation, where glacial soils rich in minerals and well-drained morainic deposits give the wines their hallmark tension and finesse. Chardonnay dominates the blend, with Pinot Nero adding structure and subtle depth. Harvest is typically done by hand to ensure gentle selection of only the healthiest clusters. After a soft pressing and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks (with a portion sometimes aged in oak for added complexity), the base wines are blended and bottled for secondary fermentation following the traditional method. The wine then rests on its lees for an extended period—well beyond the minimum requirements—before disgorgement and a very low Extra Brut dosage, emphasizing purity, terroir, and precision.

Food & Serving
Berlucchi '61 Extra Brut is an excellent aperitif and pairs seamlessly with a wide range of dishes. Enjoy it with oysters, prawns, crudo, sushi, or delicate white fish, as well as fresh goat cheese, tempura vegetables, and light risottos or pasta with seafood. It also works beautifully with refined appetizers and can carry you through an elegant multi-course meal. Serve well chilled at 6–8°C (43–46°F). Decanting is not necessary, but pouring into larger, tulip-shaped sparkling wine glasses rather than narrow flutes will help open up the aromas and highlight its complexity.

Producer
Guido Berlucchi is widely regarded as the pioneering estate of Franciacorta, credited with launching the region’s modern sparkling wine tradition in 1961 when the first bottle of classic-method Franciacorta was produced in collaboration with winemaker Franco Ziliani. Located in the heart of Lombardy, Berlucchi has since become one of the most recognized names in Italian sparkling wine, helping to establish Franciacorta as a serious rival to the world’s finest traditional-method regions. The winery is known for its commitment to quality, meticulous vineyard management, and continuous innovation, earning numerous accolades and playing a crucial role in elevating both the reputation and stylistic benchmark of Franciacorta on the international stage.

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