A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero that is aged on the lees for 24 to 30 months (min is 18 months!) with additional 3 to 4 months ageing in the bottle before release. A brilliant coral pink colour, this refined Brut Rosé has a fine and persistent pérlage. The nose delivers enticing notes of wild berries, fresh rose petals, hints of apple and tropical fruit. On the palate, it is plush and complex. Elegant and beautifully balanced with a lingering finish. Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Rosé is an excellent choice for aperitifs, and pairs well with seafood, sushi, salads, vegetables and light pasta and meat dishes.
93 Points: James Suckling “A salmon-orange colored sparkling with aromas of strawberries, plum stones, chalk and candied orange. It’s medium-bodied with tangy acidity, fine bubbles and fruity character. Lightly off-dry. Drink now.”
90 Points: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate “This is a terrific value wine from Italy's prestigious Franciacorta sparkling wine region. The NV Franciacorta Brut Rosé (made with 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Nero) shows a pale pink color with copper and ruby highlights. The bouquet is refreshing and straightforward. It's not too complex really, but it offers enough intensity and finesse to keep your interest. The mouthfeel is characterized by fine and persistent bubbling.”
$282.39 / case
$47.06 / bottle
1 Case / 6 x 750ml
One of Italy’s premier wine regions, Franciacorta is famous for its prestigious Sparkling wine. Located in Lombardia, only one hour east of Milano, the compact area of Franciacorta is situated between the rolling hills of Brescia and Bergamo, and sits just south of Lago d’Iseo Lake. Revered for its high-quality viticulture and meticulous production standards, Franciacorta is considered Italy’s answer to Champagne, produced in the same ‘traditional method’ or ‘Metodo Classico’ that involves a second fermentation in the bottle (instead of in steel tanks used for Prosecco and other Sparkling wines). The ‘Metodo Classico’ Sparklings are generally less fruity, drier, more refined, structured and complex.
Franciacorta is made from the same grapes as Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and to a smaller extent, Pinot Bianco. The strict Franciacorta DOCG rules, require maturation for no less than 18 months (15 months for Champagne), 30 months for vintage and 60 months for the Riserva. Situated in an ideal growing location with gravel and mineral rich soils of Morainic origin. While the climate is continental, the proximity to Lake Iseo is very beneficial in mitigating temperatures in both summer and winter.
Contadi Castaldi was founded in the 80s by Franciacorta pioneers Vittorio and Mariella Moretti. Today with 130 hectares of vineyard, it is one of the leading wine producers in Franciacorta, recognized for its meticulous and traditional winemaking methods. Contadi Castaldi is highly committed to sustainability, continuous research and innovation. Franciacorta is less known internationally as the majority is consumed in Italy, with only 15% being exported. We are proud to represent Contadi Castaldi and bring some of the finest Franciacorta to Ontario.
Francesco Giorgio
Author