“Quintessence” Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 2015 extra brut

Antica Fratta | Lombardy
Antica Cantina Fratta | Via Fontana 11 | IT 25040 Monticelli Brusati

04110615 · 0,75 l · 73,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Quintessence is the flagship of Antica Fratta: a Riserva that is only available in the best years. Monumental depth meets expressive precision. The blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero matures for an incredible 60 months on the fine lees before being bottled as an Extra Brut – characterising style, artistic and terroir-connecting. Dense gold in the glass with a fine chalky perlage. The nose reveals notes of candied lemon, grapefruit, brioche, roasted hazelnut and a hint of aromatic herbs. Flavours of apples in caramel, ripe peach and sea salt combine with a subtle minerality in the background. Quintessence is majestic on the palate: powerful, yet with a delicate structure. The fruit appears mature, but always remains vital. The perlage is creamy, the acidity finely and elegantly integrated. The tannin structure and precision form a linear body, supported by great length and cool dynamism. The finish is long-lasting, with delicate notes of bitter almond and salt - a quiet, never loud wine with an impressive effect. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a delicate copper tinge and the finest perlage. On the nose, beeswax, light honey, quince, a hint of baked apple, with an aftertaste of blueberries and candied fruit. On the palate with a great melting texture and crisp fruit, very vertical and purposeful, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The 2015 Extra Brut Riserva Quintessence is smoky in the glass and slowly develops nuances of young peach, ground ginger and a hint of vanilla pods. On the palate, there is a beautiful inner sweetness that combines with vibrant acidity and notes of ripe melon to create a sense of balanced opulence. The finish of the 2015 is incredibly long and powerful, yet harmonious, with a mix of nectarine, candied lime and sweet spice. It's stunning, to say the least." Vinous

"Over 100 months on the lees, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Yellow plum on the nose, then jasmine and bergamot in the background. The mouthfeel is savoury, fragrant and crisp and is enhanced by a fruity return and a lingering finish." Luca Gardini