“Franco Ziliani 90” Franciacorta Riserva DOCG 2011 dosaggio zero · in gift box

Guido Berlucchi | Lombardy
Guido Berlucchi & C. S.p.A. | Piazza Duranti 4 | IT 25040 Corte Franca

04081011 · 0,75 l · 252,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Limitation of 3 articles per customer

"When we taste the Riserva Franco Ziliani, we hear our father's voice: direct, brooding and rigorous." – Paolo Ziliani. Created as a tribute to the 90th birthday of the visionary who, together with Guido Berlucchi, bottled the first 3,000 bottles of Franciacorta Metodo Classico in 1961, thereby changing the destiny of an entire region. With the 2011 vintage – only the second bottling since its debut in 2008 – this Riserva now becomes part of the permanent collection. A limited special edition becomes a living legacy. The philosophy behind it: time perfects. "Art is Timeless" is the mantra, and indeed, every bottle resembles a work of art. The hand-crafted brass label transforms it into a collector's item, of which only 4,732 exist.

The wine itself is a pure Chardonnay from the finest plots of the Vigneto Arzelle in Borgonato, in the heart of Franciacorta. The deep moraine soil, a legacy of the Ice Age, lends the Chardonnay structure and minerality. The extremely high planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare and drastically reduced yields guarantee aromatic concentration of the highest order. After gentle pressing, the must ferments in stainless steel; part of it matures for six months in barriques on the fine lees. This is followed by secondary fermentation – and over ten years' ageing on the lees, before at least a further six months' rest following disgorgement. Dosaggio Zero, of course: nothing should obscure the authenticity and purity of this Franciacorta.

In the glass, the 2011 vintage displays intense golden hues. The aromas are complex and brooding: ripe yellow fruit, acacia and candied cedar bark combine with delicate brioche notes resulting from the long yeast ageing. On the palate, structure and body blend with lively freshness and striking juiciness – a wine of remarkable persistence and exceptional ageing potential. Direct, brooding and rigorous, just like its namesake. The perfect accompaniment to fine antipasti, delicate fish, white meat or medium-aged cheese – or simply to a moment worthy of this wine's exceptional character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Golden pale yellow; notes of ripeness, inviting; fine-bubbled, full-bodied, with a hint of butter, long on the palate, perhaps a little opulent, but lovely." (JLF) Merum

"A bright, elegant straw-yellow colour. On the nose, notes of butterscotch, cream and yellow apple; on the finish, hints of hazelnuts and white roses – very multi-layered and complex. Opens on the palate with great smoothness and elegance; the effervescence remains somewhat in the background. Refined and well-aged, with good acidity, warm fruit and a pleasing, appealing length; the final is long and salty." Falstaff

"Ripe apricots mingle with almond custard and a cascade of confectionery spices as the Franciacorta Riserva Franco Ziliani 2011 unfolds in the glass. It presents an elegant surge of the silkiest bubbles imaginable, coupled with remarkable body supported by fresh acidity, whilst notes of poached pear and chamomile swirl through the nose. The finish is of dramatic length, yet remains graceful and refined, whilst nuances of white peach keep reappearing." Vinous

"A deep, complex style full of toastiness, candied citrus, croissants, lemon curd and butter. Medium- to full-bodied, zesty and tense, with pinprick bubbles, silky texture and green-apple and citrus flavors. Long, tense finish. A top selection from Berlucchi." James Suckling