Artisan Franciacorta Sparkling Wine
Antica Fratta Essence Saten – Artisan Franciacorta Sparkling Wine
The story of Antica Fratta began in the mid-19th century when merchant Luigi Rossetti transformed a farmhouse into a winery in the scenic Monticelli Brusati region. He created an impressive 1.7 km of underground cellars shaped like a Greek cross, still used today by current owner Franco Zilliani.
Franco Zilliani, renowned for his work with Berlucchi Franciacorta, leads Antica Fratta with a focus on artisanal production in small batches. The Essence Saten highlights the elegance of Chardonnay grapes cultivated on prime Franciacorta hills, harvested by hand.
The wine undergoes fermentation partly in stainless steel and partly in barriques to impart additional complexity. It then matures on the lees for 30 months in the constant 16°C cellar environment.
With delicate floral aromas complemented by hints of brioche, toast, and green apples, this sparkling wine is a refined alternative to Champagne, ideal as an aperitif or for special occasions.
Antigal Uno Malbec – Rich and Smooth Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
Sourced from the high-altitude Uco Valley vineyards, the Uno Malbec showcases Argentina’s finest winemaking traditions. The winery dates back to 1897 but was revitalized in 2000 into Antigal, a producer of refined wines.
The 2005 vintage, crafted from a single vineyard, offers a medium to full-bodied profile with rich aromas of plum, blackberry, purple flowers, baking spices, and cocoa.
On the palate, expect flavors of red currants, cassis, raisin, and subtle spices like cinnamon and star anise. The wine is smooth with balanced acidity and fine tannins, matured for 8-10 months in French and American oak barrels.
As it opens, additional notes of coffee and tobacco emerge, adding depth and complexity. This Malbec pairs wonderfully with strong cheeses or classic Argentine steak dishes.
Conte Della Vipera – Fresh and Vibrant White Wine from Castello Della Sala, Umbria
Produced by the renowned Antinori family at their Castello Della Sala estate near Orvieto, this white wine blends Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes grown on fossil-rich soils at 250-350 meters elevation.
The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures and refined until bottling. Its pale straw yellow color with green reflections matches the fresh bouquet of citrus, stone fruits, and exotic aromas.
On the palate, Conte Della Vipera is fresh, direct, and easy to drink, with a characterful profile making it ideal for pairing with fish and shellfish dishes.
Antinori Cervaro Della Sala – Rich and Lush White Blend from Tuscany
The Antinori family, with over 26 generations of winemaking history, produces the Cervaro Della Sala at their Castello Della Sala estate acquired in 1940. This white wine blends Chardonnay and indigenous Grechetto grapes.
The grapes experience brief skin contact before primary and malolactic fermentation in barrels. The wine is then aged several months in estate cellars prior to release.
It boasts intense aromas of citrus, pear, and vanilla, followed by flavors of creamy peach, butter, and tropical fruits. A mineral-driven finish with balanced acidity and a hint of hazelnut makes it a superb match for rich seafood like baked salmon, lobster, or crab risotto.