NV Ronco Calino Franciacorta organic Rosé Radijan Brut, Lombardia – buy online

WHO?

Ronco Calino is a wine producer that enjoys good fortune: it lies in one of the most felicitous sites in a growing area already renowned for high quality, Franciacorta. The “place where one’s heart rests” exists, and for Paolo Radici, wine-passionate industrialist, inspiration struck as he visited the magnificent residence, in a state of abandonment, of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, brilliant pianist of the 20th century. But to render Franciacorta truly unique, its producers gave themselves the mission of a rigorous production code, outdoing themselves in the creation of the Franciacorta method.

WHERE?

Franciacorta unites in one term a diversity of worlds: a growing area, a wine, a method.  Ronco Calino identified eight crus, two of which are in Provaglio d’Iseo and six adjacent to the winery: Cima Caprioli, Anfiteatro, Sottobosco, Palazzo, Pozzo e Tramonto. The crus are divided into 26 parcels, which are distinguished by soil, subsoil, slope, clone, and rootstock. Their north-facing exposure favours regular vine growth and crisp acidities in the clusters through the season. The vines average over 20 years of age. 12.4 ha of vineyard surround the mansion. In 1995. Franciacorta was granted DOCG status, as Italy’s only dry sparkling wine.

WHY?

Named after and dedicated to Paolo’s father, Gianni Radici. 100% Pinot Noir from Champagne and Burgundy clones. Fermentation in steel tanks. It matures for at least 36 months on the lees and 6 months after disgorgement. The bouquet evokes fresh fruity notes of raspberry, currant, and pomegranate, enriched by a floral touch of rose and hawthorn and balsamic puffs of bay leaf and eucalyptus. The structure is remarkable. In the mouth, it is of rock and silk, a continuous game between fruit and minerality. On the palate, it is taut and almost material, reminiscent of sour cherry and strawberry ice cream, then fading into slight menthol hints that linger in a long finish.

Wine Enthusiast – 93 pts