Contadi Castaldi Franciacortaproduct-pdf - 'Stile', DOCG, - Lovers' Rare Access Why We're Drinking It Amazing price for these rare bubbles out of ! Those in the know will be aware of Franciacorta’s elevated status in the world of fine sparkling : produced to similarly high standards as Champagne, from and , it comes from a strictly delimited, top quality growing region. However, only 1/100th of the number of bottles are produced per year, making this scarce treat one that needs to be sought out!

The NV Contadi Castaldi "Stile" Franciacorta Brut is a delicious, bubbly blend of Pinot and Chardonnay with tiny bubbles and a fine mousse. The nose has hints of brioche and citrus, and on the palate the texture of creamy bubbles is complemented by its dry yet fruity flavors. Mineral notes and a fresh finish make this sophisticated wine most compelling!

Things to know:

The “Stile”, is named for the “Style” that’s inherent in the Franciacorta DOCG. This Italian appellation was codified in 1967 and elevated to top DOCG status in 1995.

To qualify as Franciacorta DOCG, the must be grown in the small region on the shores of in the province, in Lombardy, northern Italy. Only Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and grapes are permitted, and yields are restricted. The here is composed of glacial gravels rich in minerals, perfect for the production of high quality grapes.

The grapes must be very gently pressed, and like Champagne go through a double fermentation process with the second taking place in the bottle for a minimum period of time. This bottle fermentation is what brings extra layers of complexity, flavor and texture to the finished bubbly.

Tasting Notes Full of fragrance, tending to smoothness and an accessible sensory VARIETAL language, with a balanced and versatile style. In the glass it is yellow in Brut colour with greenish reflections, enlivened by a fine and persistent perlage. APPELLATION The nose is fresh, with floral notes of lime, shades of citrus, white peach Franciacorta and green pepper. The mouth is tight and crisp, fresh and vertical, ALCOHOL full-bodied, refined and with a lingering very enjoyable finish. 13.00 SIZE 750ml BLEND Brut

The Story to Know Contadi Castaldi opened in Franciacorta in 1987, an offshoot of the Terra Moretti group, headed by founder Vittorio Moretti, who realized that this area offers the ideal conditions for producing great sparkling wine.

Following the success of Bellavista, the group conducted intensive research on the distinctive characteristics of Franciacorta, introducing innovations that were to make Contadi Castaldi a leader in the production of Satèn, a particular type of wine from Franciacorta. Founded ten years after Bellavista, Contadi Castaldi has greatly differentiated its production of sparkling , focusing on innovation and a younger target market. This inspired the to produce other wines featuring freshness, elegance and distinctive local qualities.

The company currently produces about 750,000 bottles of wine a year, made from prized grapes gathered from over 100 hectares of , located in areas that once corresponded to the counties (contadi) of Franciacorta, which were controlled by the local lord, the steward (castaldo). Contadi Castaldi is run along entirely different lines from the other in Franciacorta. It has multi-year agreements with forty or so local vine-growers, who are supervised by a team of technical experts, from the planting of the vine to the hand harvesting of the grapes. The main advantage of this is being able to make best use of the micro climates, giving base wines different features that provide the cuvées with more complexity. These are superb wines that offer remarkable value in the world of sparkling Franciacorta.

Perfect Pairings This s a great match for fish, shell fish and white meat, or all by its lonesome.

Ratings 94 Insider Points (Crazy value!)

Reviews This release from Castaldi is a real delight, showing citrus and white flowers in the nose, with white peach underneath. The wine is very dry and elegant. It shows power, texture, and finesse in the mouth, with firm acidity and the creaminess that comes from both the wood and the extended aging time. You will know that this is a special bottle of bubbles, definitely on par with French Champagne of the highest quality. Enjoy now through 2020. - DZ Jan 2016