N.V. Il Mosnel Brut DOCGproduct-pdf - Lombardy, *Two Bicchieri Why We're Drinking It Ahhh...a rose by any other name; or rather (méthode) under another designation; it's what bubbly aficionados intrinsically seek out. Here, the sparkle comes from the Franciacorta DOCG in north-central Italy, where our Sourcing Team all agrees: “if Champagne ever extended their boundaries, this would be the outcome.” and made in méthode traditional, the result is what Gambero Rosso awarded Two-Glasses. A dazzling beauty not likely registering on the radar of bubbly-lovers, it’s that special something (at a superb value) here for Members.

Lombardia, Italia is a region that doesn’t auto-translate to “Méthode Champagnoise,” but in Franciacorta DOCG, it’s all about the bubbles. A DOCG that only applies to the sparkling of the region, Franciacorta has been honing their techniques since the 13th Century (referenced by both Virgil and Pliny the Elder). Fermented in-bottle and aged on lees for a minimum of 18 months (as opposed to 15-month requirement in Champagne), it’s not , but an Italian rendition of Champagne’s finest crémant.

A part of Il Mosnel’s series of high-end sparkling whites and rosés, the Brut is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Bianco, and 10% Pinot Nero that’s testament to why our Panel calls Franciacorta “one of the most exciting wines to come out of Italy.” “Absolutely delicious,” it garnered Two Bicchieri (Gambero Rosso’s second-highest rating), and a 94-point review from our Panel. Unanimously described as graceful and elegant, it shows light, tiny, dazzling bubbles, following to a finish with just a touch of creaminess from its 24 months on lees in the bottle. The trifecta of stellar Italian access (sparkling specialists, 2 Bicchieri, méthode traditional), it’s as much for the bubbly-lovers as it is for those seeking Italian critics’ (<$20) amantes. Drink up.

Tasting Notes Franciacorta Brut displays a delicate, subtle bouquet that is still crisp and VARIETAL fruity, and quite long lasting; in the mouth it is attractively dry, with a velvety Franciacorta texture and exceptionally fine balance. The bead boasts dense, pin-point APPELLATION bubbles, with a foamy mousse seems almost endless. Lombardy, Italy ALCOHOL 12.50 SIZE 750ml BLEND 60% Chardonnay, 30% , 10% Pinot Noir

The Story to Know In the heart of Franciacorta, in Camignone, lies the historic villa with its 16th-century wine cellars and surrounding properties that offers eloquent testimony to the venerable patrimony that the Barboglio family inherited in 1836.

This viticultural wealth was developed still further through the far-sighted efforts of Emanuela Barboglio, who planted the first modern, specialised and in 1968 was one of the first to produce DOC Franciacorta wine.

In 1976 the name of the was changed from Azienda Agricola Barzanò Barboglio to the current "il Mosnel," a local dialect word, of Celtic origin, that means "heap of stones," an apt characterisation for the site of the winery.

Directing il Mosnel today is the fifth generation of winegrowers, the children of Emanuela Barboglio. Giulio Barzanò oversees production and sales, while Lucia Barzanò directs marketing, external relations, and administration. The family is fortunate to enjoy the support of a highly professional staff, expert agronomists, and experienced winemaking technicians, all of whom exercise painstaking attention to the production process and to the winery's growth.

Perfect Pairings Munchies: truffles, almonds, cashews; a cheese platter with chèvre, Edam, and Brie; goat-cheese stuffed grilled or roasted mushrooms.

Ratings 94 Insider Points

Reviews I truly believe that Franciacorta is one of the most exciting wines to come from Italy in many years. Many Americans are totally unaware of what is going on in this region. I can sum it up in a short series of comments. Do you like Champagne? Would you be interested in high quality at very reasonable prices? If your answer is yes, then you really should take a look at Franciacorta.

The wines come from Lombardy and the majority of the many producers of Franciacorta all make their wines in the true Method Champanois style. Working with Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco (Blanc), the wines are fermented in the bottle and receive extended aging on their lees, just as in Champagne. The top cuvees will definitely rival most of Champagne.

The Il Mosnel is absolutely delicious! A pale gold color is highlighted by the fine bubbles rising out of the bottom of your glass. There's a nose of ripe citrus and toasted brioche that wafts out of your glass that gets your mouth watering. Graceful and elegant, the fresh citrus flavors carry through, with a tasty, juicy acidity and a super clean finish. This is something special! Gotta love those bubbles! -PM