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Contadi Castaldi - Brut Franciacorta

NV
Producer
Contadi Castaldi
Blend
80% Chardonnay
10% Pinot Bianco
10% Pinot Nero
Country
Italy
Region
Lombardy
Appellation
Franciacorta
UPC
8 01943 302013 6
White Sparkling Wine
Verified Stock
83450-NV
Product Ratings
James Suckling 92pt

A fresh, creamy sparkling with attractive aromas of dried apple, lemon zest, honey and candied walnuts. Sharp acidity, balanced by a creamy mousse with lovely almond character on the finish.

by James Suckling, 2021

Estate

Contadi Castaldi is one of the leading sparkling wine producers in Franciacorta, a region in the province of Brescia, Lombardy blessed with fertile soils, formerly used as brick and concrete quarries. Founded by the Moretti family, focusing on intensive research, innovation and a dynamic attitude which greatly differentiated Contadi Castaldi from any other winery in Franciacorta. The winery’s name refers to the ancient history of the area where the “Contadi” were small counties known for their outstanding agricultural products, and the “Castaldi” were the lords who governed those lands.

Tasting Notes

This is a lively brut, full of fragrance, tending to smoothness and an accessible sensory language, with a balanced and versatile style. In the glass it is yellow in colour with greenish reflections, enlivened by a fine and persistent perlage. The nose is fresh, with floral notes of lime, shades of citrus, white peach and green pepper. The mouth is tight and crisp, fresh and vertical, full-bodied, refined and with a lingering very enjoyable finish.

Vinification

Soft pressing, cold settling, Inoculatioain with selected yeats, fermentation in steel for 20 days, partial malo. The still wine ages in both steel and barriques for 7 months. The wine ages on the lees for 20-26 months before disgorgement.

Technical data

Grapes Chardonnay 80%, Pinot Nero 10%, Pinot Bianco 10%
Cultivation systems Guyot - Casarsa
Plant density 3000 - 5000 vines per hectare
Yield 100 quintals of grape per hectare
Wine yield 65% or 65hl per hectar
Average age of vines 20 years
Harvest period Late august, early september
First ageing 7 months, partly in steel and partly in barrique
Stabilisation Cold static
Bottling (draft) May
Ageing on the lees From 20 to 26 months
Disgorgement From december
Ageing after disgorgement 3 - 4 months
Dosage 6 grams per litre