Franciacorta Essence Rose 2018 (Antica Fratta)

Cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. In the mid 1800s A local merchant called Luigi Rossetti fell in love with the stunning landscapes of Monticelli Brusati and decided to found his own winery, Antica Fratta. The existing farmhouse on the property was converted into a winery and Rossetti dug 1.7 km of cellars into the rock in the distinctive shape of a Greek cross. In 1979 the estate was purchased by Franco Zilliani who is best known for his Franciacorta sparkling wines made under the Berlucchi label. Zilliani’s vision for Antica Fratta was to create artisanal Franciacorta wines in small batches using traditional methods. This enchanting rosé is crafted from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes sourced from 30 year old vines planted on the estate. The must is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged on the lees for 30 months to add complexity and character. The wine is then bottled and aged for a further 6 months in Antica Fratta’s cellars where the constant humidity and 16°C temperature provide perfect natural conditions for maturation. The result is an elegant and graceful sparkling wine which opens with delicate bubbles and hints of citrus, honeysuckle and green apples.