VIGNETI CENCI FRANCIACORTA
LOMBARDY, ITALY
Psst ... I want to let you in on a little secret:
Most wine-loving Italians don't actually drink Prosecco. When they want a crisp sparkling wine, they tend to reach for a Brut from Franciacorta. Remarkably, most of these wines stay in Italy. Yes, even with the seal of approval from Tom Stevenson, the esteemed British wine critic and author of Champagne, who has deemed them to be "world class."
Fortunately, our savvy buyers were able to secure a small allocation of two Franciacorta bruts. This is a terrific opportunity to stock up on complex, age-worthy sparkling wine that rivals vintage Champagne, and at a third of the price of what you'd pay for a first-rate bottle.
One thing to keep in mind when you consider the wines of the Franciacorta is that production methods in this tiny pocket at the southern end of Lombardy have changed not at all from the way things were done in the distant past, and that output is kept to a minimum to ensure the highest quality.
Music to our ears, and no doubt yours, too.
First up: the La Capinera Brut. The grapes — 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Bianco — are sourced from a vineyard located on the slope of Monte Orfano, whose rich, colluvial soil is mixed with gravel, making it ideal for producing wines of complexity and elegance. The wines are fermented twice, with ageing on the lees for at least 24 months. In the glass, its pale golden appearance prepares you for what is to come — a burst of orange and lemon, which then gives way to more clearly defined aromas, like moss, pennyroyal and thyme. On the palate, this proves itself to be a well-integrated wine, one whose freshness and crispness are balanced by a drinkable softness and depth.
The La Via della Seta Cuvée Satèn Brut differs from the two Brut in important, and fascinating, ways. Its grapes — 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Bianco — were grown in the same rich, colluvial soil mixed with gravel, fermented twice, and aged on the lees for at least 30 months. This is a wine of immense sophistication that will frankly stun anyone who looks at the bottle price. On the nose, you'll be treated to a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. On the palate, the fruit — particularly the notes of apricot and nectarine — are controlled, with any lingering ripeness or sweetness undercut by the welcome presence of nettles and a subtle, persistent acidity that refreshes the palate with every sip.
As I said up top, Franciacorta wines are exceedingly hard to come by, and if you love your bubbles this is an incredibly rare opportunity to load up now for all those special occasions down the road!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2024. 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. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023.
