{"product_id":"berlucchi-61-franciacorta-extra-brut-magnum","title":"Berlucchi '61 Franciacorta Extra Brut Magnum","description":"\u003cp\u003eBerlucchi '61 Franciacorta Extra Brut Magnum is a refined sparkling wine from Lombardy that captures the elegance and precision of Italy’s answer to Champagne. Crafted primarily from Chardonnay with a touch of Pinot Nero, this magnum format is ideal for celebrations, offering extra complexity and a more harmonious evolution in the bottle. Named in tribute to 1961—the year Berlucchi produced the first modern Franciacorta—it stands as a hallmark of quality and a benchmark for the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Berlucchi '61 Franciacorta Extra Brut shows a bright, straw-yellow color with subtle golden highlights and an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse. The bubbles are delicate yet energetic, forming a refined perlage that hints at careful, extended aging on the lees.\n\nOn the nose, it opens with fresh aromas of citrus zest, green apple, and pear, layered with notes of white flowers, brioche, and a gentle hint of toasted almonds. The palate is crisp, dry, and beautifully balanced: lively acidity frames flavors of lemon, Granny Smith apple, and stone fruit, supported by nuances of bread crust, hazelnut, and a faint mineral edge. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the profile taut and focused, making it both refreshing and gastronomic. This non-vintage cuvée is ready to drink upon release but, in magnum format, it has very good aging potential over the next 3–5 years, gaining further complexity and creaminess while preserving its vibrant backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBerlucchi '61 Franciacorta Extra Brut is born from vineyards in the gently rolling hills of Franciacorta in Lombardy, an area shaped by ancient glacial deposits that leave a mix of gravel, stones, and calcareous soils—ideal for fine sparkling wine. The climate, moderated by nearby Lake Iseo, offers warm days and cool nights, helping Chardonnay and Pinot Nero ripen slowly while retaining acidity. Grapes are harvested by hand to ensure careful selection of bunches at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, the base wines are vinified separately, typically in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to preserve purity and freshness, before being blended to achieve Berlucchi’s signature house style. The wine then undergoes its second fermentation in bottle, in the traditional method, and ages on the lees for an extended period to build texture, depth, and that characteristic toasty, brioche complexity before disgorgement and a very low Extra Brut dosage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Franciacorta Extra Brut Magnum shines as an elevated aperitif and pairs beautifully with a wide range of refined dishes. Try it alongside fresh oysters, crudo, sushi and sashimi, or delicate shellfish such as scallops and prawns. It also complements classic Italian antipasti, tempura vegetables, lightly fried seafood, and creamy soft cheeses. For main courses, consider grilled fish, herb-roasted chicken, or a truffle risotto to mirror its elegance and structure. Serve well-chilled at around 6–8°C (43–46°F) to highlight its precision and freshness. In magnum format, a brief 10–15 minutes in the glass or an elegant carafe is sufficient if you wish to let the wine open up, but extended decanting is not necessary—its charm lies in its tension and fine bead.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGuido Berlucchi is widely regarded as the pioneer of Franciacorta, credited with helping transform this corner of Lombardy into Italy’s premier region for traditional-method sparkling wines. In 1961, Guido Berlucchi, together with winemaker Franco Ziliani, produced the first bottle that would set the standard for modern Franciacorta—an event now commemorated by the '61 line. Since then, Berlucchi has grown into one of the most influential and respected producers in the area, combining a deep respect for terroir with meticulous vineyard management and innovation in the cellar. The estate has played a central role in elevating Franciacorta’s international reputation, earning numerous accolades and becoming a reference point for quality Italian sparkling wine.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Berlucchi Guido","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255075787089,"sku":"XW-40549","price":52.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/berlucchi-61-franciacorta-extra-brut-magnum_40549_1.jpg?v=1783456577","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/berlucchi-61-franciacorta-extra-brut-magnum","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}