Berlucchi '61 Extra Brut, Franciacorta, Italy

From the top Sparkling wine region of Italy* comes this benchmark 'Traditional Method' wine from Berlucchi. 
It's a blend of 85% Chardonnay & 15% Pinot Nero (Noir) that is matured on it's lees for a minimum 24 months, to provide great fruit density and elegance.
In the glass it shines with a light straw colour and shows rows of lovely small bubbles rising to the top.   On the nose it offers apples and citron zest, with floral notes.In the mouth you get a clear fruit line, crisp acidity and lovely texture. The finish is dry, elegant with great minerality. 

Wine Spectator scores Berlucchi '61 at 91 points!!

Alc. Vol. 12.5%

*Franciacorta is the undisputed preeminent sparkling wine region of Italy and it was all started by Berlucchi! It was Guido Berlucchi who in 1961 (hence the name, '61) who released the first 3000 bottles of sparkling wine - he had to get permission from the authorities as it was a still wine region until then!
It was also Guido who insisted that the wines be made only in the 'Traditional Method' (fully Sparkling, as in Champagne, Cremant, Cava etc) and so was born Franciacorta.  
The still wines of the region are now under the Curtafranca DOC to avoid any confusion. 

Did you know that Champagne & Franciacorta are the only regions that don't have to put their DOCG or AOC on the label?  If it says Champagne on the label, you know it's Champagne and no need for the AOC. Likewise with Franciacorta!