Expert’s choice: Franciacorta

The Cabochon DoppioZero range epitomises Franciacorta’s excellence, using the finest grapes and ageing the wine over 48 months on lees. A flinty, citrus nose moves seamlessly to a rich, multi-layered palate where nectarine and stone fruit flavours emerge, complemented by brioche notes. Smooth, juicy acidity enhances drinkability, leading to a long, generously complex finish. A harmonious blend of freshness, depth and satisfaction.

This top-range cuvée commemorates the creativity and indomitable spirit of the winery's founder. Flinty and citrussy, this riserva (62% Chardonnay and 38% Pinot Noir, 70 months on the lees) presents just-ripe peach notes leading to a pure but delightfully concentrated palate. Racy and refreshing acidity imparts a perception of great longevity, and the structure and balance hint at potential for years of further development. This is a winery consistently seeking new challenges and projects – such as its partnership with Richard Geoffroy (formerly chef de cave at Dom Pérignon) in 2022.

Il Mosnel, steered by fifth-generation Lucia and Giulio Barzanò, shows meticulous attention to detail, producing wines that emphasise their fruitiness. This extra-dry style, from Chardonnay vinified in barriques, has a mature nose with hints of nectarine and lime accented by some ginger. The palate is agile, fresh and complex, with an array of herbal notes, ginger, brioche and liquorice flavours. Engaging and delightful.

Ca’ del Bosco sets the standard for wineries in the area, continuously elevating wine quality. A pure, mineral nose with youthful notes of pomegranate, grapefruit and white flowers opens to reveal richer stone fruit aromas. Smoked almond and unripe pear embrace a silky body, accompanied by a gentle perlage. A complex and juicy finish encapsulates the wine’s elegant and multifaceted character.

Ferghettina collaborated with the University of Brescia to design a unique square-based bottle, intended to enhance the integration of autolytic flavours. 100% Chardonnay with 48 months on lees. Moreish candied lemon, nectarine and wet stone aromas reflecting perfect ripeness and richness. Creamy and silky, it concludes with a lovely citrus finish that leaves a lasting impression of grace, finesse and harmony.

Gigi Nembrini and Daniele Gentile cultivate just over 7ha, adopting a hands-off approach, with low dosage and using only stainless steel tanks. Among the smallest productions in Franciacorta, this wine is a pure expression of the Monte Orfano area. A clean, lean profile has power and elegant energy, the citrus component perfectly aligned with the acidity, culminating in a finish that showcases the harmony and finesse of the terroir.

The Fratelli Berlucchi winery produces excellent wines with a bold structure and succulent fruit. Here, rich, intense aromas of yellow apple and peach are complemented by a smoky character. The palate is syrupy yet balanced by refreshing acidity, with an intense autolytic character adding complexity. Gentle and long, there’s an impression of depth and elegance.

The Ricci Curbastro family originally moved from Florence in the 13th century, so this winery goes back a long way. Today, Filippo and Gualberto continue the family’s legacy. Great intensity on the nose reveals ripe stone fruit, nectarine and gingerbread. The body has great concentration, showcasing a pronounced autolytic character and integrated white mushroom notes. The finish is long and refreshing.

It was 1961 when the first sparkling wine from Franciacorta was released, by Guido Berlucchi, and since then the estate has epitomised excellence in winemaking. This brut nature opens with green herbs and white peach on the nose, flinty and clean. Exceptional fruit concentration is refreshed by fine perlage and smoky acidity. The finish shows integrated developing tertiary notes, demonstrating complexity and promise for further ageing.

Andrea Arici captures the freshness of the Franciacorta pre-Alps to craft elegant, mineral-rich wines that rank among the most refined in the region. Purity is the most notable characteristic in this wine, with a citrus and flinty nose accented by a touch of smokiness, while notes of wet pebbles give way to soft white peach aromas. The sharp acidity refreshes the palate, leading to a long, balanced finish.

Vigneti Cenci stands out for its use of a significant percentage of Pinot Bianco, which imparts a fruity and intense texture, and the wines are even more appealing after a few years in bottle. From a small production of just 1,500 bottles, the balance of aromas here is moving towards evolution: citrus blends seamlessly with white mushroom. Creamy and silky nectarine flavours are refreshed by crisp yet well-balanced acidity.

In 2011, Silvia and Federico Stefini purchased a historic winery, and are now producing the first biodynamic-certified wine in Franciacorta. The name derives from the old winery’s first vintage in 1701. Really fresh citrus aromas with hints of nectarine and unripe white peach lead to a more generous body with a silky texture. There’s good complexity, with a long, mineral finish, and the extended time on its lees is well balanced by soft acidity.

A pure Chardonnay, unlike the Freccianera Brut version, though both spend at least 40 months on the lees. Rich notes of white flower and yellow herbs dominate the nose, giving way to a rich yet elegant palate where nectarine and other stone fruits mingle with a lovely vanilla and buttery character. The perlage is soft, and the concentration makes this wine really juicy. Appealing and satisfying.

Claudio Faccoli, a key Franciacorta winemaker, has passed on the family estate to his daughter Francesca. She’s maintaining the legacy and high quality while preserving the identity of its location on the Monte Orfano outcrop, just below lake Iseo. Rich, intense nectarine and dried apricot aromas set the stage for a silky-smooth palate showing concentration and creamy acidity, perfectly balanced by hints of vanilla and toasted almond.

Since founding La Montina in 1987, the Bozza family has transformed this small venture into a continually expanding enterprise, marked by enduring ambition. Fresh, ripe nectarine, orange blossom and yellow apple aromas introduce a smooth and creamy texture which gives elegance. Fruit concentration, acidity and a soft perlage are all in balance, culminating in a really smooth, long finish.