2020 Ca’ del Bosco Vintage Collection Satèn Franciacorta DOCG

ABOUT

Ca' del Bosco, founded in 1969, is one of the world's foremost producers of Franciacorta and Italy's most revered sparkling wine from the Lombardy region. The winery's state-of-the-art cellar, unique in Franciacorta, allows the winemaking team to produce the best wines possible and of the highest quality. 

Introduced in 1978 with the name Crémant, it is a special interpretation of a Franciacorta made only with Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. In 1990, its name was changed to Franciacorta Vintage Satèn. Since the 2008 vintage, Ca' del Bosco has also given them a distinctive appellation: "Vintage Collection." An elegant narrative of our extraordinary territory and of man’s ability to bring out the vines’ inherent potential. 

VINEYARDS

Twenty-eight Chardonnay vineyards planted an average of twenty-four years ago located in the municipalities of Erbusco, Adro, Cazzago San Martino, Corte Franca and Passirano. Two Pinot Blanc vineyards planted an average of thirty-one years ago located in the municipality of Passirano.

This wine is sourced from fourteen carefully selected vineyards. The majority of the grapes come from twelve Chardonnay vineyards with an average age of 32 years. These Chardonnay vineyards are spread across five municipalities: Erbusco, Adro, Cazzago San Martino, Corte Franca, and Passirano. The blend is complemented by grapes from two Pinot Blanc vineyards, which have an average age of 30 years and are both located in the municipality of Passirano. The blend is 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Blanc. Dosage at disgorgement is equivalent to .5 gram of sugar per liter. 

2020 VINTAGE REPORT - FRANCIACORTA, ITALY

Cool, above-average temperatures and scanty rainfall characterized the winter. Budbreak began early, between March 20th and 25th, in sunny weather. Due to the persistently mild climate, flowering occurred approximately one week earlier than usual, with the weather pattern continuing until the end of flowering and fruit set. Heavy rains marked the end of spring, with several storms causing an abrupt drop in temperatures and twice the average rainfall for the period. As summer set in, the sunny weather returned, albeit with average temperatures never exceeding 30°C until July 20th. Typical summer weather began in the last ten days of July, with temperatures reaching 33/34°C and frequent showers driving them down. Harvest operations started on August 14th and continued under hot conditions throughout the first two weeks. Towards the end of the month, however, a wave of rainstorms began, affecting operations. Nevertheless, the grapes reached maturity and were almost invariably very healthy. The picking of the grapes earmarked for Franciacorta wines ended on September 3rd. Average yield per hectare: 8,000 kilograms of grapes, equivalent to 3,450 liters of wine (grape-to-wine: 43%). A great vintage for white wines, characterized by extreme elegance and finesse, with an aromatic profile more centered around floral nuances and citrus fruit than yellow or exotic fruit. 

WINEMAKING PROCESS 

Franciacorta Vintage Collection is obtained from meticulously selected grapes skilfully vinified in full compliance with the Metodo Ca’ del Bosco. As soon as the grapes are picked, using small cases, they are graded and chilled. Each bunch is selected by experienced eyes before visiting our “berry spa”, an exclusive bunch washing and jet spray system that incorporates three soaking vats and a drying tunnel. After crushing in the absence of oxygen, all the musts for base wines ferment in small oak casks. Barrel maturation lasts for just 5 months to coax out maximum aromatic complexity and expressive power without jeopardising elegance. A pair of flying tanks enables the wines to be gravity-racked from the small oak casks into maturation tanks. 7 months after the harvest, it is time to create the cuvée. Vintage Collection Satèn 2020 is obtained from a skilful blend of 30 Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc base wines. Less sugar is added than for other Franciacortas, giving the wine a creamy mouthfeel and a particularly soft, elegant sensory profile that is further enhanced by leisurely bottle ageing. Disgorgement takes place in the absence of oxygen using a unique system designed and patented by Ca’ del Bosco. The procedure avoids oxidative stress or the need for additional sulphites, making Ca’ del Bosco Franciacortas purer, more appealing and longer lived. Finally, every bottle is given an individual marking to ensure its traceability.

ENJOY WITH

Oysters on the half shell, creamy risotto and pasta dishes, fresh water fish and crab cakes.

Quantities are limited.

CLUB PRICING

• Collector: $57
• Premier: $60
• Signature: $64

Club savings applied at checkout.