Castello Bonomi Franciacorta Extra Brut Cuvee Lucrezia Etichetta Nera 2008

Cellar for up to 20 years. Serve chilled.

Castello Bonomi is named after the magnificent late 19th century chateau that was built by Antonio Tagliaferri in an Art Nouveau style. Today the estate has a reputation for producing stunning sparkling wines from their prime vineyards planted on Monte Orfano in the far south of the Franciacorta appellation. The vines are planted at an altitude of 275 metres which helps to ensure perfectly-balanced fruit with plenty of natural freshness and aromatics.

The Cuvée Lucrezia Etichetta Nera is made from the very oldest Castello Bonomi vineyards only during the best vintages when the fruit has enough complexity and depth to produce an opulent and ageworthy sparkling wine. Once in the winery the Pinot Noir grapes are pressed very gently to extract the finest juice which is then vinified in neutral tanks with 8 months of ageing on the lees. Franciacorta must undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottle, and this magnificent cuvee is aged for a further 120 months in the cellar on the lees.

This extensive maturation process helps to add subtle and enchanting notes of fresh pastries, crusty bread and dried hay to the ripe berry fruit and citrus notes. In the glass there’s a persistent stream of tiny bubbles which become a smooth mousse on the palate. This is great Franciacorta to serve as a celebratory aperitif or partner for dishes like lobster, roast chicken, and mature cheeses.