Franciacorta DOCG Dosage Zéro Riserva Annamaria Clementi 2017 Ca' del Bosco

What kind of wine it is

Ca' del Bosco's Annamaria Clementi is a Franciacorta Riserva Dosage Zéro, a white sparkling wine made by the Traditional Method from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. It receives no addition of liqueur d’expédition at disgorgement, so the sip remains dry and pure, with no sugar masking the wine’s character. It is the winery’s most selective cuvée, designed for those seeking a Franciacorta of great depth and long evolution.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from Ca' del Bosco’s estate vineyards in Franciacorta, spread across the communes of Erbusco, Adro, Corte Franca, Iseo and Passirano. The Chardonnay comes from vines with an average age of over thirty years, as does the Pinot Noir, while the Pinot Blanc grows in Passirano. This diversity of parcels and exposures contributes to the complexity of the final blend and to the winery’s distinctive identity.

How it is made

The grapes are hand-harvested in small crates, cooled and sorted bunch by bunch, then washed with a dedicated system of tanks and drying. The base wines come only from must from the very first pressing, ferment in small oak barrels and rest on their lees for six months, also undergoing malolactic fermentation. From the many base wines, only the best are chosen for the blend. This is followed by over eight years of lees ageing and disgorgement without oxygen, using Ca' del Bosco’s patented system that protects the wine from oxidation.

Tasting notes

In the glass it shows a bright golden color and a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is expansive: ripe fruit and shades of bread crust and pastry, with hints of spice and toasty notes from the wood and the long time on the lees. On the palate, the absence of dosage delivers a dry, linear sip, supported by vibrant freshness and a creamy texture. The finish is long and saline.

Food pairings

Thanks to its structure and freshness it can accompany an entire meal. It pairs with raw seafood, shellfish and oven-baked fish dishes, and stands up to richer preparations such as porcini mushroom risotto or aged hard cheeses. Its dry character also makes it suitable for delicately flavored white meats.

When to serve it

This is a Franciacorta for special occasions: a celebratory dinner, an important toast or a gift for an enthusiast. It is best served in a generous glass, to allow the aromas to open, and given a few minutes to express all its complexity. Thanks to the long ageing and oxygen-protected disgorgement, it also has excellent ageing potential in bottle.