Franciacorta Brut ‘Animante’ (75cl)

This elegant northern Italian sparkling blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Bianco is subtly perfumed with green apple and lime fruits with the lovely toasty edge that you would expect from a wine that has spent two years being aged on its lees. The bubbles aren’t overly effervescent which makes it one of those sparkling wines that you can enjoy as an apéritif as much as with lightly flavoured foods. Immediately fresh, clean and elegant. Lovely balance between the medley of citrus, floral and exotic fruit and the palate-pleasing creamy, nutty texture. Alive, dry, precise and persistent this fine bottle fermented Franciacorta from Pizzini shows off the undoubted class and potential of the region. Matured for 24-30 months in bottle on its lees, this is clearly a very worthy alternative to quality Champagne or English Sparkling wine. Blended from 78% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Noir, 4% Pinot Blanc.

Wine of the Week – The Independent, ‘For a fine example, try the organic Franciacorta Brut Animante made from chardonnay, pinot blanc and pinot noir, bottle fermented and laced with clean, apple and citrus flavours, with a little complexity from being aged for two years.’ Terry Kirby, July 2018

90 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – ‘Made with organically-farmed fruit, the non-vintage Franciacorta Brut Animante is a plush and textured sparkling wine that peels back slowly to reveal aromas of peach, honeydew melon, pear and Golden Delicious apple. Crisp acidity helps to create a mouthfeel that is light, tonic and graced with a great sense of energy and brightness. The wine presents mild textural richness that suggests immediate or near-term drinking window.’ Monica Larner, September 2015

Gold Medal – Sommelier Wine Awards 2015 – ‘Great persistence and strong typicity,’ said team leader Annette Scarfe MW, ‘Perfect with seafood.’ ‘Restrained, good balance of minerality and freshness, with juicy green apple flavours and floral undertones,’ said Rebecca Coates of Hakkasan London, with Neil Bruce of Studio Alto adding: ‘Subtle biscuit and zesty fruitiness, dry and crisp, with lemon/lime fruit.’

90 Points – Decanter Magazine, ‘When it comes to Italian sparkling wine, there are two options: Prosecco or Franciacorta. Prosecco may be more familiar to most wine lovers, but Franciacorta is, in general, so much more rewarding. Made using the traditional Champagne method, this is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Bianco. Citrus and apple fruit on the palate are wrapped up with a fine mousse and a creamy texture. Franciacorta may not be widely available but it’s well worth looking out for.’ 17/20 90 Points Decanter Magazine February 2015

‘This was so light and fresh, it danced. But because it is made in the traditional method (the same way as Champagne) from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot bianco, it has extra layers of complexity, a bit of toast, and a hover of honey.‘ Jane Clare, OneFootInTheGrapes.co.uk, June 2015