Franciacorta DOCG Annamaria Clementi R.S. 1980 Ca' del Bosco

What kind of wine is it

Annamaria Clementi R.S. 1980 by Ca’ del Bosco is a Franciacorta Historic Vintage “Recently Disgorged” of extraordinary rarity and prestige, conceived as a project of excellence meant to represent the qualitative peak of the winery. This historic cuvée was dedicated to Maurizio Zanella’s mother and stands as one of the most long-lived, complex, and iconic expressions of Franciacorta. The wine is the result of a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc (the latter two identified at the time broadly as “Pinot”), creating a blend of remarkable balance and depth. Designed from the outset for a very long aging, this vintage is a rare testament to the extraordinary aging potential of the great Franciacortas.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from a selection of seven vineyards located in the Canelle area, around the Ca’ del Bosco winery, in the heart of Franciacorta. The 1980 vintage was characterized by unusual weather: a cool and fairly dry spring fostered regular budding, while heavy rainfall between May and June reduced yields and limited fruit set. From mid-July, the climate changed drastically, with a stable, warm, and bright summer lasting until harvest, allowing for an excellent ripening of the grapes. The harvest for this Franciacorta took place on September 11th and 12th with perfectly healthy and ripe bunches.

How it is produced

Vinification was entrusted to André Dubois, then chef de cave of the winery, who implemented a particularly rigorous protocol to maximally enhance the year’s potential. The grapes were pressed manually with the old Marmonier wooden press, a traditional technique ensuring great delicacy in extracting the musts. Fermentation then took place in 205-liter oak pièces, an innovative choice for that time, which enriched the wine’s structure and aromatic complexity. After initial fermentation and élevage, the wine was moved to tirage in February 1981, thus beginning a long maturation on the lees that became one of the most extraordinary agings in Franciacorta history.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it shows an intense straw yellow color with golden highlights, clear evidence of its long evolution. The bouquet is deep, complex, and explosive: initial notes of forest floor, moss, and fern reveal the lengthy maturation on the lees, followed by aromas of candied citrus and quince jam. With oxygenation, elegant hints of toasted hazelnut, caramel, beeswax, and cedarwood emerge. On the palate, its intensity, solidity, and depth are surprising, with a creamy and almost meaty structure sustained by great gustatory energy and a powerful, aromatic, and persistent finish.

Food pairings

Thanks to its extraordinary aromatic complexity and evolved structure, this Franciacorta pairs well with sophisticated gastronomic dishes. It enhances noble fish, shellfish, and refined contemporary cuisine, though it is equally magnificent with delicate white meats, foie gras, and aged cheeses. Its aromatic depth and lingering persistence also make it enjoyable on its own, as a great meditation wine.

When to serve it

This historic cuvée is a collector’s bottle for mindful tasting, ideal for special occasions or grand celebrations. The very long lees aging, which has exceeded forty years, now allows the wine to express its ultimate evolutionary peak, revealing all the complexity and stylistic identity of Ca’ del Bosco. Served in wide glasses at about 10–12 °C, it lets you fully appreciate the aromatic development and extraordinary depth of this historic, recently disgorged Franciacorta.