Lombardy, ItalyCa' del Bosco, or the 'house in the forest,' is all Maurizio Zanella. He was the driving force behind the Franciacorta movement that earned the coveted status of DOCG in 1995. Our visit to the property was a discovery of excellence and ingenuity. Cuvée Prestige is a multi-year blend of the best vintages, with the grapes (chardonnay, pinot blanc, and pinot noir) coming off more than 130 vineyards, made using the traditional method, and aged a minimum of 28 months. The colour is deep straw, with a heady mix of lees, bread dough, and light tropical fruits. The palate is similar in style, with lovely intense leesy baked apple that amplifies all the parts before the bright acidity balances out the finish. Different and impressive. Rich fowl or fish dishes work here.Tasted: 01 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Lombardy, ItalyRich, doughy and concentrated, this blend of chardonnay, pinot nero and pinot bianco commands attention with its ample heady autolytic character. Twenty percent vintage wine and 28 months on the lees amps up the volume and density, while a persistent bead of acidity works overtime to lift the heft. Baked apple, brioche, nougat and lemon are supported with creamy mousse and fine spice through the lingering finish. Confident presence and rich from top to bottom, this would pair with mains such as roasted partridge with élan.Tasted: 15 February 2016Tasted by: Prices:
Lombardy, ItalyThe Franciacorta DOCG is home to Ca' del Bosco. The appellation is set between the town of Brescia and Lago d'Iseo in Lombardy, northern Italy. Often referred to as the champagne of Italy it is an 80/10/10 blend of chardonnay, pinot nero and pinot bianco made in the champagne méthode. The latest Cuvée Prestige was disgorged in the autumn of 2012. Look for a pinch of yellow in the colour followed by a fresh nose of peaches, quince and brioche all with a creamy texture thanks to 21 months on its yeast. Style finesse and complexity.Tasted: 09 March 2013Tasted by: Prices:
Lombardy, ItalyLots of continuous, fine mousse. Unique nose with smoky, toasted hazelnut, buttery, citrus, baked pear, cooked green apple, anise aromas. Crisp, full, elegant palate in a slightly sweet brut style with moderate mousse. Lots of nutty, buttery, spicy, smoky, baked pear, green apple, peach, cooked melon, strawberry, toasty flavours. Very good intensity but very delicate style with finesse. Disgorged the fall of 2007.Tasted: 17 March 2008Tasted by: Prices: