Berlucchi 61 Franciacorta Brut

Guido Berlucchi and Franco Ziliani turned the rolling hills of Lombardy into a world-class destination for bubbles back in 1961. This cuvée is a vibrant tribute to that pioneering spirit.

A blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Nero, this is far from your average Prosecco. It spends a minimum of 24 months aging on its lees, resulting in a wine that is as sophisticated as it is approachable. In the glass, it shows a brilliant straw-yellow hue with a fine, persistent perlage that speaks to its quality and careful craft.

On the nose, expect a lively bouquet of fresh Golden Delicious apples, citrus zest, and the classic, delicate scent of warm bread crust. The palate is crisp and wonderfully balanced, offering a creamy texture that carries flavors of white peach and a hint of toasted almond through to a clean, mineral-driven finish.

This is a quintessential all-occasion bottle. It’s light enough to serve as an elegant aperitif with salty snacks or Marcona almonds, yet it has enough structure and acidity to stand up to a creamy risotto, fresh lake fish, or even a simple roast chicken. For anyone wanting to explore the heights of Italian viticulture without the triple-digit price tag, this is an essential addition to your cellar.