BERLUCCHI '61 FRANCIACORTA
LOMBARDY, ITALY
WHY BUY:
If you’ve never had a glass of Franciacorta, we’re hoping to change that. The great English critic Tom Stevenson, who literally wrote the book on Champagne, has long contended that Franciacorta rivals the finest Champagnes. Made in small batches using methods unchanged for generations, these are hidden gems that come in at a third of the price of comparable quality Champagne … and that most wine-loving Italians actually prefer to Prosecco — and hoard for themselves. Don’t miss this terrific chance to get in on a secret … and stock up now for all your special occasions to come.
THE PRODUCER:
Today’s featured producer, Berlucchi, did more than just to create the first-ever bottling of this magically effervescent wine — it continues to be the gold standard for Franciacorta, as this irresistible trio, which bears typically excellent scores from the critics (who are typically stingy when it comes to sparkling wines), amply demonstrates.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
The '61 Nature 2016 and its Rosé counterpart both took home impressive 94-point scores from Wine Enthusiast. Of the '61 Nature, they write: "This complex and vinous wine by the historic Berlucchi estate opens with strawberries and cream, dried roses and rhubarb brioche. The palate shows a darker cherry note with a creamy texture that is lifted by the energy of the wine.” James Suckling awarded the NV '61 Rose 93 points, noting its "zesty acidity, lean body, redcurrants and strawberries and a polished finish.” And it also needs pointing out: this wine also earned a coveted spot on Wine Spectator's 2021 Top 100 list — an honor that speaks to both its quality and its value.
OUR TASTING NOTES:
If you’ve never had the pleasure of savoring a bottle of Franciacorta, think of it as an experience akin to discovering an unpublished manuscript from a celebrated author. These gems, like all great wines, reveal themselves gradually, with layer upon layer of nuance. The '61 Nature calls forth strawberries and cream, dried roses, and rhubarb brioche, while its Rosé companion showcases the incredible lifted aromatics that only exceptional Pinot Nero can deliver, presented in a bone-dry style that lets nature's own qualities shine through without sweetness as distraction. The NV '61 Rosé rounds out the collection with its zesty acidity and parade of redcurrants and strawberries that march across the palate with military precision but balletic grace.
THE STORY:
Berlucchi's excellence is born of curiosity and deep friendship. In 1955, Guido Berlucchi, a successful landowner in Franciacorta, approached young enologist Franco Ziliani to improve his still wines. It was Ziliani who posed the transformative question: "What if we were to make a sparkling wine as the French do?" Berlucchi offered his property and support to this pioneering experiment. After several unsatisfactory vintages, the partnership produced the first shining vintage of their classic method sparkling wine, the 1961 "Pinot di Franciacorta." This bottle changed everything. By 1967, Franciacorta had become a recognized designation of origin for Italian wine, with Berlucchi leading the vanguard. Unencumbered by generations of tradition, Berlucchi succeeded at crafting elevated sparkling wines tailored to Italian standards. Today, Franciacorta adheres to one of the strictest protocols in the world. Their historic cellar from 1680 still houses the very first bottle of Franciacorta ever produced, while ten meters underground, their finest wines continue to age patiently, waiting for their moment to dazzle.
THE METHOD:
The Franciacorta method represents Italian precision at its finest — meticulous sparkling wine production that rivals Champagne's standards. Using primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Nero from the Franciacorta region, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle where it develops fine bubbles and complex flavors through extended lees aging. Franciacorta regulations mandate aging periods that often exceed Champagne's requirements. Berlucchi distinguishes itself through low yields that concentrate flavors, with the Riserva Palazzo Lana Extrême spending a minimum of seven years on the lees, while even their entry-level wines receive extended bottle aging that would make many producers envious.
ABV:
Each wine is approximately 12.5% alcohol by volume.
FUN FACT:
When in Italy (or just pretending to be), pair your Franciacorta with potato chips. Yes, seriously — the contrast between the crisp, salty chips and the bright, effervescent wine creates a surprisingly perfect harmony that locals have enjoyed for generations. You don't know what you're missing.
OUR GUARANTEE:
These wines will be shipped directly from the producer's cellars, ensuring perfect provenance and optimal condition. Order your bottles today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NE, NY, OK SC, & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, June 15th, 2025.