Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Millesimato DOCG Zèro 2020 Contadi Castaldi

What kind of wine it is

Zèro by Contadi Castaldi is a Franciacorta produced in Lombardy from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Classified as a Franciacorta with Dosage Zero, this wine is crafted through the rigorous steps of the Traditional Method. The winemaking process begins with fermentation in stainless steel with partial malolactic fermentation, followed by initial ageing divided between steel tanks and barriques. The second fermentation occurs in the bottle with an extended period on the lees. The result is a glass with a precise and technical profile, distinguished by a structured, savoury style and good complexity.

Where it comes from

This wine is born in the renowned Franciacorta area, thanks to the selection of different specific pedolandscape units. The targeted origin from various plots within the designation allows for a blend focused on balance, preserving a profound identity of the area. This careful agricultural selection aims to enhance the unique characteristics of the grapes used. The wine’s origin remains deeply tied to this territory and its historical vocation for bottle-fermented wines.

How it is made

The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes are harvested by hand with great care between late August and early September. After gentle pressing, the must undergoes a twenty-day fermentation in stainless steel, followed by partial malolactic fermentation. The wine rests for seven months and matures partly in steel, partly in barrique, before the prise de mousse. Refermentation in the bottle continues with aging on the lees for thirty-six to forty months, giving the palate a marked clarity of flavor.

Tasting notes

On visual inspection, it displays a bright straw yellow hue, enriched by a distinctly fine and pleasantly persistent perlage. On the nose, the aromatic bouquet opens with vibrant citrus notes of grapefruit, followed by elegant hints of currant, walnut husk, bay leaf, and green tobacco. On the palate, it is structured, marked by pronounced sapidity, and supported by a dense and coherent texture attributable to the long time spent on the lees. The long and persistent finish closes the tasting with a clear and orderly progression.

Food pairings

At the table, it effortlessly accompanies creamy risottos and mixed charcuterie boards, enhancing dishes where the savoury element is well-supported by the wine’s structure. Its precision and marked freshness make it ideal with flavourful freshwater fish dishes. The pairing is particularly effective when the dish requires the right balance between intensity and purity, as it highlights this wine’s dry and incisive style without ever overpowering the main aromas.

When to serve it

This wine is an excellent choice for social gatherings and proves highly versatile throughout the entire meal. Thanks to its assertive character and the important structure provided by the lees, it supports full-course meals with ease and goes well beyond the moment of the initial toast. It is particularly recommended when a dry and savoury sip is desired, ideal for pairing with moderately intense dishes while always maintaining its own definition and unique gustatory tension.