Sunday, February 21, 2016

EXPLORING the wines of FRANCIACORTA - Ferghettina Franciacorta Extra Brut 2009 and Caviar


Exploring the wines of Franciacorta is a series of tasting the wines of Franciacorta without the caviar
available for pairing. I am presenting the wines that I believe have the quality and structure to pair with the caviar.

Today we are exploring the Ferghettina Franciacorta Extra Brut 2009. Please note that the 2009 does not represent a vintage year. The 2009 is telling you of the year of the harvest that comprises the majority of the wine in the blend.



Ferghettina is located in Franciacorta at the foot of the Alps along side the Sebino Lake.
The annual production is about 350,000 bottles which includes 4 types of Franciacorta DOCG Brut, Saten, Extra Brut and Rosé and three still wines a Curtefranca Red, White and a Curtefranca IGT Sebino.

Background
The wine is a blend of 80%Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir with the base being from 2009. The vines are between 15 to 65 years old and are planted on calcareous soil.  Each vineyard's grapes are separately fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks before blending. Once bottled the wine will age on its lees for at least 72 months. 

Tasting
The wine has a golden yellow color. There are aromas of bread yeast and sweet green apples. On the palate there is a softness, nuttiness and a structured mouth feel. The finish is dry with slight chalk notes.