NV Ronco Calino Franciacorta organic Satèn 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?

Produced exclusively in Franciacorta, Satèn is the only Blanc de Blancs of the Appellation, as it can be made only with white grapes: Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. It has very fine and creamy perlage, which is the result of a gentle effervescence, less than 5 atmospheres. Fermentation in steel tanks, with a portion (15%) of the Chardonnay fermenting in French oak barrels. It matures for at least 36 months on the lees and 6 months after disgorgement. Intense notes of orange blossom, mimosa, and dried white flowers. Hints of peach, bergamot, and orange marmalade. On the palate, it recalls cedar and pear, with a pleasant balsamic return, and a long finish.