Forget Prosecco...the best sparkling from Italy comes from Franciacorta. Traditional method sparkling wine from Champagne grapes as well!
An exuberant, confident and bright style with lovely notes of toasted brioche– lively and very approachable with citrus fruits – a golden apple character which is, at the same time, both incisive yet quite gentle.
Country: Italy
Region: Lombardia
ABV: 11.5%
Grapes: 95% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Noir
One of the emerging estates in Italy's booming sparkling wine sector. Roberto Gatti spent 20 years as cellarmaster and viticulturalist at Bellavista, one of the early pioneers of the Franciacorta region, before creating Ferghettina in 1990. A new winery and cellars, started in 2002, were completed in 2005 and sit in a magnificent location overlooking the beautiful Lake Iseo. Roberto is assisted by his daughter Laura, also an oenologist, shortly to be joined by his son Matteo. The Gatti's control production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, using only half of the grapes available for their production of 300,000 bottles. Meticulous attention to detail, skillful blending and long bottle maturation give wines of great finesse and individuality. The 'Italy's answer to Champagne' tag is unavoidable but these wines are much more than that.