Ca’ del Bosco ‘Edizione 45’ Cuvée Prestige NV
Grape Varietals: 82% Chardonnay, 16.5% Pinot Nero & 1.5% Pinot Bianco
Growing Region: Erbusco, province of Brescia, in Lombardy - Italy
Chief Winemaker: Stefano Capelli
During the summer of 2019, I had the pleasure of revisiting Ca’ del Bosco - and catching up with the dedicated team and tasting a number of new releases, plus a complex range of premium Franciacorta - Methode Traditionnelle style wines. With summer here and the season of creating impromptu occasions, which call-out for a complementary sparkle - what better way to sip, savour and share with family and friends, than with this special Cuvée.
Described as ‘the essence of Franciacorta’ - or Metodo Ca' del Bosco style. Created and first released in November 2007 after thirty years of winemaking experience from Maurizio Zanella - founder of Ca’ del Bosco. This most elegant of sparkling wines, is crafted from only the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco grapes. Sourced from over 100 vineyards and vinified separately and skillfully blended with reserve wines of the finest vintages - which accounts for 25-35% of the final cuvée.
The hand-picked grapes were graded and chilled. The bunches are then carefully selected by experienced eyes before visiting a ‘berry spa’, a unique washing and jet spray system that incorporates three soaking tanks and a drying tunnel. The fruit is then crushed in the absence of oxygen, with all the must for the base wine fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, where the individual; wines remain until the following March.
The wine is then allowed to settle for 7 more months to clarify, mature and reveal the diverse character profiles. 68% of this cuvée comes from the 2020 vintage, and carefully blended with the reserve wines in a time-honoured ritual. Only after a maturation sur lie period that averages 25 months will this Franciacorta be ready to express its vibrant personality. Disgorgement takes place in the absence of oxygen using a unique system designed and patented by Ca’ del Bosco. The process avoids oxidative stress or the need for additional sulphur - the total sulphur dioxide / SO2 in then cuvee is 52 milligrams/litre.
★ In your glass you have a shining pale gold colour with an enticing bead that tempts you with upbeat aromas of pip fruits and fresh herbs. The palate is confident and engaging showcasing slightly more generous tones of ripe peach, pears, green melon, citrus nuances and blanched almonds. The mouth feel is elegant, vividly textured and deliberately lifted by the natural fruit acidity all nicely balanced by a vibrant fruit driven and decisive, crisp finish.
This Ca’ del Bosco ‘Edizione 45’ Cuvée Prestige NV has 12.5% Alc./vol. An ‘Extra Brut’ style, with a dosage of only 1g/L. Chill gently and serve in a generously curved flute, aromatic wine glass at 8°- 10°C. *NZ$84.99
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 3/12/24)
Drinking perfecting this season; and will hold nicely for another 3 - 4 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing as an aperitif, an ideal pairing with fresh shellfish, simply seasoned seafood dishes steamed or bbq'd, ceviche, lifted & delicately dressed vegetarian cuisine, along with grilled pineapple kebabs and citrus fruit sorbet - enjoy.
